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QPR 1 Blackpool 1 FT - Blackstock 79 Taylor-Fletcher 18 Attend: 12,500 Half-time: 0-1 ...QPR drop to 8th with 1 points out of the last possible 9. Updated Table - Preliminary Match Report
SKY - Dowie hits back at critics
QPR boss defends tactics, while Grayson is pleased
QPR manager Iain Dowie has hit back at critics of his tactics in the wake of a 1-1 draw with Blackpool at Loftus Road.
The Hoops, who received pre-season backing as promotion candidates, were grateful for a point as Dexter Blackstock cancelled out Gary Taylor-Fletcher's sensational opener.
QPR have dropped to eighth in the Championship table on the back of the result and some have questioned Dowie's cautious formations this season.
But Dowie believes his side should have defeated Simon Grayson's Blackpool outfit and insists his tactics are working well.
"There's an obsession in this country with systems, but it's about the players out there," said Dowie.
Decent start
"We just didn't get going enough. We could have been 2-0 up at half-time and then there would have been no talk about systems.
"We've scored four at home twice this season using the system we started with tonight, and Emmanuel Ledesma got a hat-trick playing in it a couple of weeks ago.
"We've made a decent start to the season with that formation, reached the last 16 of the Carling Cup and are eighth in the table - one win away from fourth place."
Meanwhile, Blackpool boss Simon Grayson was full of praise for his team after a gritty performance.
Under pressure
He said: "We were under pressure from set-pieces in the second half but the players dug in and defended for their lives at times.
"We'd have taken a point at the start of the game but when you get to where we were and concede a goal, it's always tough and the players are disappointed.
"That shows how far those players have come. Everyone wrote us off at the start of the season but all we can do is keep working hard, and we've got some quality too.
"We've surprised quite a few people and hopefully that will continue. There's a determination to prove people wrong, because no-one likes to have the tag of relegation favourites before a ball's even been kicked.
"I can't fault the players because they've played well again. We have to be delighted with this point." Sky
SPORTING LIFE - DOWIE SLAMS SYSTEM-ATIC ABUSE
QPR manager Iain Dowie defended his choice of formation following his side's 1-1 draw at home to Blackpool on Tuesday.
Gary Taylor-Fletcher put the Seasiders ahead before Dexter Blackstock's 78th-minute equaliser - his sixth goal of the season - rescued a point for below-par Rangers.
Dowie started with his favoured 4-2-3-1 system before switching to 4-4-2 at half-time.
But he insisted: "There's an obsession in this country with systems, but it's about the players out there.
"We just didn't get going enough. We could have been 2-0 up at half-time and then there would have been no talk about systems.
"We've scored four at home twice this season using the system we started with tonight, and Emmanuel Ledesma got a hat-trick playing in it a couple of weeks ago.
"We've made a decent start to the season with that formation, reached the last 16 of the Carling Cup and are eighth in the table - one win away from fourth place.
"It's a system Spain used in Euro 2008. There's an obsession in this country with 4-4-2, which has hardly brought England great success down the years.
"I changed it at half-time because Blackpool had scored and were able to sit back and mark man for man, so I wanted to give them another problem up front."
Blackpool went ahead after 17 minutes, when Taylor-Fletcher collected defender Damion Stewart's weak clearing header and fired into the top corner of the net from 25 yards.
Dowie made a double substitution at the interval, sending on Mikele Leigertwood and striker Patrick Agyemang.
But it was Dowie's third substitute, Akos Buzsaky, who helped to haul Rangers level.
The fit-again Hungarian, brought on with 18 minutes to go, curled a 30-yard free-kick against the bar and Blackstock was able to head home the rebound.
"I thought it was a very good display," Dowie added.
"We caused them a massive amount of problems from set-pieces, especially in the second half.
"It was an unsatisfactory result but I can't be unhappy with the way we played. Should we have gone on and scored a winner? Probably. But I can't fault the desire."
Blackpool manager Simon Grayson was full of praise for his team after a gritty performance.
Grayson said: "We were under pressure from set-pieces in the second half but the players dug in and defended for their lives at times.
"We'd have taken a point at the start of the game but when you get to where we were and concede a goal, it's always tough and the players are disappointed.
"That shows how far those players have come. Everyone wrote us off at the start of the season but all we can do is keep working hard, and we've got some quality too.
"We've surprised quite a few people and hopefully that will continue. There's a determination to prove people wrong, because no-one likes to have the tag of relegation favourites before a ball's even been kicked.
"I can't fault the players because they've played well again. We have to be delighted with this point." Sporting Life
IAIN DOWIE'S POST-MATCH COMMENTS - QPR OFFICIAL SITE DOWIE: WE DESERVED MORE
Iain Dowie was adamant Rangers deserved more than the point they gained thanks to Dexter Blackstock's late equaliser against Blackpool.
Trailing to Gary Taylor-Fletcher's stunning first half effort, the R's responded with an Alamo like display in the second half, only to fail to bag the all-important second goal late on.
"We showed great drive and great desire to come back into the game after they scored from their only chance of the entire 90 minutes," Dowie told www.qpr.co.uk.
"Blackpool are a good side, make no mistake. Of course we are disappointed with a point, but they are the fourth best side away from home in the division and they've already won at Birmingham this season.
"In the second half our display was full of energy and hunger and a point was the minimum we deserved from the match."
With the R's trailing at half-time, Dowie rang the changes at the break, introducing Mikele Leigertwood and Patrick Agyemang at the expense of the tiring Daniel Parejo and Emmanuel Ledesma - and switching to a 4-4-2 in the process.
"We had to freshen it up at half-time. I felt we needed another focus point and Patrick and Mikele gave us that.
"I felt we created numerous chances. I'm not sure what the goal was disallowed for and I thought we should have had a penalty late in the day.
"I'm not sure why, but when the keeper spills one and it squirts out, the referee gives a foul.
"There were certainly a few odd decisions late on, but sometimes they go for you and other times they don't.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the stats afterwards, because we were by far superior in all departments." QPR
QPR Official Site - QPR vs Blackpool
Dexter Blackstock spared QPR blushes as his header cancelled out Gary Taylor-Fletcher's opener as Rangers drew at Loftus Road with a spirited Blackpool.
Despite a host of chances for the home side, Iain Dowie's men could not find a winner against a determined Tangerine outfit.
Taylor-Fletcher's long range volley opened the scoring but, after an Akos Buzsaky free-kick struck the wood-work, Blackstock was on hand to head into a gaping net.
Rangers made two changes for the visit of the Tangerines, as Lee Cook came in for Akos Buzsaky who dropped to the bench, and Peter Ramage regained the right back berth ahead of Matt Connolly.
Simon Grayson handed starts to on-loan striker Steve Kabba, alongside Ben Burgess in attack, David Vaughan on the left and former Rangers defender Ian Evatt at the heart of the defence.
The R's raced out of the blocks and could've gone ahead inside the first minute. Daniel Parejo seized on a loose ball and fed Rowlands who found Cook out on the left. His floated cross was poorly cleared to Blackstock but, with the ball at an awkward height, the striker failed to make a decent connection.
Rangers were at it again moments later, as build up play involving Peter Ramage, Ledesma and Blackstock found Cook on the edge of the area, but his shot flew wide.
Cook and Blackstock had started brightly and the two combined minutes later as Cook's cross was chested down by Blackstock into the path of Rowlands who had burst into the box. The midfield marvel, however, could only glance the ball wide.
Suddenly Blackpool scored through Taylor-Fletcher. Against the run of play, the ball found its way to the Pool winger who teed himself up and guided a shot straight into Radek Cerny's top right hand corner.
Loftus Road was stunned and Rangers instantly sought a leveller but Ledesma could not strike his 20-yard effort with enough power to worry Paul Rachubka in the visitor's goal.
Back came Blackpool and Keith Southern attempted to copy Taylor-Fletcher with a long range effort that was always going wide.
Rangers struck back as Cook's cross was nearly turned in by Blackstock, only for Rob Edwards to nick it away for a corner.
From the resultant set-piece, Gavin Mahon's half-volley was bravely blocked by a determined orange wall.
Rowlands was next to try his luck as, after being fed by Parejo 25-yards out, he strode forward an unleashed a drive that fizzed wide.
With minutes remaining of the first half, Blackstock should've scored. Ledesma's cross found him in acres of space but instead of trying to head in, he attempted to control and shoot on the turn. Unfortunately for him, and the increasingly frustrated R's fans, the ball bobbled up and away from danger.
As the teams emerged it was evident to see that Dowie had reshuffled his pack. Patrick Agyemang and Mikele Leigertwood replaced Ledesma and Parejo.
And the change almost reaped instant rewards as the latter sent a pin-point pass out to Cook, who controlled it early to beat Shaun Barker and ran through on goal before pulling the trigger. His shot was well struck, on target, and needed a fully stretched Rachubka to turn it round the post.
Cook was at it again moments later as he linked with Agyemang before firing over a cross that Blackstock rose to head weakly at Rachubka.
Cook was at the heart of everything Rangers were trying to do, looking a constant menace. Seconds later, he teed up Leigertwood from 25-yards out, but once again the shot was off target.
The diminutive winger went searching for a goal himself as he sent a half-volley looping over a packed Blackpool box that only just cleared the bar.
Despite a period of sustained pressure, Rangers were just not testing visiting keeper Rachubka. A Rowlands corner was glanced wide by Blackstock in the latest attempt at an equaliser.
With the last roll of the dice, Dowie introduced crowd favourite Buzsaky to try and work his magic in midfield.
And the dice came up in the R's favour as Rangers won a free-kick 25-yards out. Buzsaky stepped up to curl an effort that beat Rachubka but smacked back off the crossbar. Desperation turned to ecstasy. however. as Blackstock was on hand to nod the rebound into an empty net to send R's fans in to raptures.
Rangers poured forward searching for a winner and a brilliant Cook cross was headed down by Blackstock right into Rachubka's grateful arms.
Despite throwing everything at the visitors, the game ended a stalemate as Blackpool held on to take a point back up to Lancashire. QPR
BBC - QPR 1-1 Blackpool
Dexter Blackstock struck late on with his sixth of the season to earn QPR a deserved point against Blackpool.
Gary Taylor-Fletcher's stunning 25-yard strike into the top corner earned the visitors a slender half-time lead.
QPR pushed for an equaliser, with Dexter and Lee Cook both going close and Daniel Parejo claiming a penalty.
But substitute Akos Buzsaky saw a free-kick crash back off the crossbar and Blackstock was in the right place to head home the rebound.
QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Stewart, Mahon (Buzsaky 73), Hall, Parejo (Leigertwood 46), Blackstock, Rowlands, Ramage, Cook, Ledesma (Agyemang 46).Subs Not Used: Camp, Gorkss.
Booked: Leigertwood.
Goals: Blackstock 79.
Blackpool: Rachubka, Southern, Evatt, Vaughan (Broomes 84), Taylor-Fletcher, Jorgensen (Fox 90), Kabba, Camara, Edwards, Barker, Burgess.Subs Not Used: Coid, Hammill, Gow.
Goals: Taylor-Fletcher 18. Att: 12,500.
Ref: Grant Hegley (Hertfordshire). BBC
Blackpool Rivals Match Report
Some records seem there not to be broken (unlike Preston's unbeaten Tuesday night record .. haha!) and the one which has been in place at Loftus Road since 1972 looks like it will never go!
QPR had the better of the early exchanges with a couple of opportunities in the first 5 minutes, the best chance falling to top scorer Dexter Blackstock. 'Pool did have a couple of early corners but with the Seasiders playing deep, they did end up soaking up some of the early pressure. Blackstock did well to get past Camara but Martin Rowlands failed to beat Rachubka when he should have done better. However, against the run of play, from 30 yards out Gary Taylor-Fletcher struck the ball brilliantly with the outside of his right foot and beat Cerny in the Rangers goal to put the Seasiders 1-0 ahead.
Keith Southern had a long range shot on goal 10 minutes later which went wide during which time Rangers struggled to get back in to the game. Dexter Blackstock should have done better moments later but was beaten by the returning Ian Evatt. From the resulting corner, Rob Edwards cleared the ball before QPR fans shouted from a penalty as Shaun Barker went in for a tackle to take the pressure off the Seasiders goal.
Blackpool were enjoying much more possession than in those opening 10 minutes and again had a couple of chances to add to the lead with two corners within a minute but failed to beat the home side's defence. Martin Rowlands had a decent chance when Cook sent the ball across the goal but he put the ball wide of Rachubka's goal. Dexter Blackstock had another great chance as he was unmarked but tried to take an extra touch and put the ball straight in to Chub's arms. With half time approaching, the Seasiders rode their luck somewhat with QPR failing to take a number of chances in that first 45 minutes and the home side went off to a chorus of boos.
QPR came out strong and with Patrick Agyemang one of two substitutions, he put the first corner of the second half over the bar after some poor marking by the 'Pool defence. Chubs pulled off a fine save from Lee Cook moments later as Rangers piled on the pressure with two consecutive corners and from the second Dexter Blackstock headed the ball in the back of the net, but for the first time in a long while a referee ruled out an opposition goal and it remained 1-0. QPR won a free kick after an hour but Martin Rowlands saw his free kick go over the bar.
'Pool took some of the pressure off and won a corner which David Vaughan delivered and from an Ian Evatt header, Keith Southern saw his shot saved by Cerny. At the other end, the Seasiders were defending deep as they looked for their third away win of the season. With Blackpool looking to score two goals in a game for the first time this season, Ben Burgess had a chance from a Taylor-Fletcher cross but put the ball over the bar. All the pressure finally paid off after 75 minutes when QPR from a free kick hit the bar and Blackstock was the first to react and scored the equaliser.
Marlon Broomes came on to make his debut for the Seasiders in place of David Vaughan as Larry changed it to a 5-3-2 but 'Pool were still getting forward in to the heart of the QPR defence in the final minutes. The Seasiders still had some scares with the Patrick Agyemang coming close on 88 minutes but was denied by Rachubka. In injury time 'Pool had three corners and a free kick to defend but held on to earn a priceless point on the road. - Blackpool Rivals
Welcome to QPR REPORT - A completely unofficial and unaffiliated fan site focusing on G-d's Chosen Team, Queen's Park Rangers (QPR) FC. (Visit also QPR Report Messageboard and Follow on Twitter.) QPR Report accepts no sponsorship, advertising or financial contributions. In 2008, QPR Report was named as one of the top two blogs in the Football League
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Teams - QPR vs Blackpool
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QPR vs BlackpoolTonight: Cook returns...Buzsaky back on the bench.
QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Stewart, Mahon, Hall, Parejo, Blackstock, Rowlands, Ramage, Cook, Ledesma. Subs: Camp, Leigertwood, Buzsaky, Agyemang, Gorkss.
Blackpool: Rachubka, Southern, Evatt, Vaughan, Taylor-Fletcher. Jorgensen, Kabba, Camara, Edwards, Barker, Burgess. Subs: Coid, Broomes, Hammill, Fox, Gow, - Full Teams
QPR vs BlackpoolTonight: Cook returns...Buzsaky back on the bench.
QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Stewart, Mahon, Hall, Parejo, Blackstock, Rowlands, Ramage, Cook, Ledesma. Subs: Camp, Leigertwood, Buzsaky, Agyemang, Gorkss.
Blackpool: Rachubka, Southern, Evatt, Vaughan, Taylor-Fletcher. Jorgensen, Kabba, Camara, Edwards, Barker, Burgess. Subs: Coid, Broomes, Hammill, Fox, Gow, - Full Teams
Managerial - QPR-Rejecting Manager Takes Over at Parma...Ex-QPR's Manager of The Month Nominee...Championship Managerial Nominees Announced Wednesday
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Francesco Guidolin who turned down QPR (before QPR turned to Luigi De Canio) has been appointed manager of Parma
Official: Parma Sack Cagni, Appoint Guidolin
Parma have sacked coach Luigi Cagni, and brought in Francesco Guidolin as his replacement.
The Gialloblu were relegated from Serie A last season after almost two decades in the top flight, and veteran tactician Gigi Cagni was handed the task of an immediate promotion from Serie B.
However, Parma have not had the best of starts to the season with one win, three draws and two defeats, and now Cagni has paid the price and been sacked.
“We would like to thank Cagni and his staff for their efforts and their professionalism, but we have parted company,” a statement from Parma reads.
In his place the Gialloblu have called upon the services of experienced coach Francesco Guidolin.
The 52-year-old has been out of work since himself being sacked by Palermo in March, and he has been keen to get back into the management game. The former Genoa, Bologna and Monaco boss will be presented to the media this afternoon. Anthony Sormani - Goal.com
Meanwhile Ex-QPR Assistant Manager, Kenny Jackett one of the Manager of The Month Nominees (Jackett, of course ably assisted by axed-by-QPR, Assistant Manager, Joe Gallen!) (Championship Manager-of-The Month Nominees come AFTER tonight's games! So if QPR win tonight, seems a good chance that Iain Dowie might be one of the nominees.]
Manager of the Month Nominees - Division One and Two...
Football League - THE NOMINATIONS ARE IN
The nominations have been announced for the Coca-Cola Manager of the Month award for September.
With Oldham Athletic and Scunthorpe United currently sharing top spot in League 1, it's no surprise that both John Sheridan and Nigel Adkins are up for this month's award.
Oldham won two and drew two of their four matches, with the wins coming away at Tranmere Rovers and home against Milton Keynes Dons.
Scunthorpe on the other hand have won all four matches to surge up the table. The wins came away at Brighton & Hove Albion and Hereford United and at home against Carlisle and Yeovil.
Millwall are another team to have won all four matches, so Manager Kenny Jackett also deserves his nomination, securing wins over Hartlepool United, Leicester City, Cheltenham Town and Swindon Town. The Lions currently sit fourth in the table on joint points with third placed Leeds United.
Gary McAllister understandably makes up the nominees, after his Leeds side kept up their impressive start to the season with four league wins over Crewe Alexandra, Swindon, Carlisle United and Hereford United. They also progressed to Round 4 of the Carling Cup with a 4-3 win over Hartlepool.
There are also joint table toppers in League 2 with Bury and Wycombe Wanderers sharing top spot and both Alan Knill and Peter Taylor are amongst September's nominees.
Both teams are the other ones in the division to remain unbeaten, with Bury having won two and drawn two, including Saturday's goalless game with Wycombe.
Wanderers' results mirror those of Bury, with wins over Rochdale and Dagenham & Redbridge and a draw with Brentford completing their run in September.
Brentford boss Andy Scott is also amongst the nominees after his side also won two and drew two of their four matches. The Bees' 1-0 win over Chesterfield on Saturday saw them move up to fourth in the League 2 table.
Keith Alexander completes the nominees after his Macclesfield Town side won three of their four matches in September. The Silkmen had failed to pick up a single point or even score a single league goal in August but a 2-1 win over Luton on September 6th kick-started their season. They went on to beat Bournemouth and Port Vale before losing to Exeter last weekend.
The nominations for the Championship Manager of the Month award will be announced on Wednesday with a full programme of action still to be played on Tuesday night.
All winners will be announced on Thursday, live on Sky Sports News at 1.20pm, as well as www.football-league.co.uk.
[Nominees]
Football League - KENNY RELISHING MILLWALL MISSION
After saving Millwall from relegation last season Kenny Jackett is now managing his team at the opposite end of the League 1 table as he looks to build on an impressive record of promotions he has been part of during his 12 years of management.
In stints as assistant manager and manager of Watford, assistant at Queens Park Rangers and manager of Swansea City, the 46 year-old former Watford and Wales defender has helped secure four promotions and been involved in two runs to Play-Off finals.
Another crack at promotion could be in the offing after Millwall's fine start to the new campaign. Sunday's 2-1 win at Swindon, their fifth successive victory, took them up to fourth in the table and only one point behind joint leaders Oldham and Scunthorpe.
It's a totally different situation to the one that Jackett stepped into when he took over at The New Den last November, the Lions at the time lying third from bottom of the table and facing a long battle to avoid the drop.
Yet he left the comparative safety of managing Premiership club Manchester City's reserve team to join Millwall. Why? "It wasn't a difficult decision," insists Jackett. "I'd been a manager before and I wanted to be a manager again - it was that simple.
"Yes, Millwall were in trouble, but you rarely get offered a job with a club in a great situation - and if you do then that brings its own pressure because you have to keep things going well if the club is in a good position.
"When you inherit a situation like the one I had at Millwall the job is obviously to improve things, and it wasn't easy. Injuries had already been a problem and it stayed that way right through the season, so in the circumstances we did well to stay up."
A 17th place finish represented mission accomplished for Jackett, but with a new campaign has come a new mission as the manager sets out with the aim of helping the Lions regain the Championship place they lost in 2006.
"We've had a promising start to the season," he says, "and it's helped players and supporters to believe we can continue to have a good season. I've not set targets, but I have enjoyed a few promotions in my time and I'd love to add to the list with Millwall." Football League
Francesco Guidolin who turned down QPR (before QPR turned to Luigi De Canio) has been appointed manager of Parma
Official: Parma Sack Cagni, Appoint Guidolin
Parma have sacked coach Luigi Cagni, and brought in Francesco Guidolin as his replacement.
The Gialloblu were relegated from Serie A last season after almost two decades in the top flight, and veteran tactician Gigi Cagni was handed the task of an immediate promotion from Serie B.
However, Parma have not had the best of starts to the season with one win, three draws and two defeats, and now Cagni has paid the price and been sacked.
“We would like to thank Cagni and his staff for their efforts and their professionalism, but we have parted company,” a statement from Parma reads.
In his place the Gialloblu have called upon the services of experienced coach Francesco Guidolin.
The 52-year-old has been out of work since himself being sacked by Palermo in March, and he has been keen to get back into the management game. The former Genoa, Bologna and Monaco boss will be presented to the media this afternoon. Anthony Sormani - Goal.com
Meanwhile Ex-QPR Assistant Manager, Kenny Jackett one of the Manager of The Month Nominees (Jackett, of course ably assisted by axed-by-QPR, Assistant Manager, Joe Gallen!) (Championship Manager-of-The Month Nominees come AFTER tonight's games! So if QPR win tonight, seems a good chance that Iain Dowie might be one of the nominees.]
Manager of the Month Nominees - Division One and Two...
Football League - THE NOMINATIONS ARE IN
The nominations have been announced for the Coca-Cola Manager of the Month award for September.
With Oldham Athletic and Scunthorpe United currently sharing top spot in League 1, it's no surprise that both John Sheridan and Nigel Adkins are up for this month's award.
Oldham won two and drew two of their four matches, with the wins coming away at Tranmere Rovers and home against Milton Keynes Dons.
Scunthorpe on the other hand have won all four matches to surge up the table. The wins came away at Brighton & Hove Albion and Hereford United and at home against Carlisle and Yeovil.
Millwall are another team to have won all four matches, so Manager Kenny Jackett also deserves his nomination, securing wins over Hartlepool United, Leicester City, Cheltenham Town and Swindon Town. The Lions currently sit fourth in the table on joint points with third placed Leeds United.
Gary McAllister understandably makes up the nominees, after his Leeds side kept up their impressive start to the season with four league wins over Crewe Alexandra, Swindon, Carlisle United and Hereford United. They also progressed to Round 4 of the Carling Cup with a 4-3 win over Hartlepool.
There are also joint table toppers in League 2 with Bury and Wycombe Wanderers sharing top spot and both Alan Knill and Peter Taylor are amongst September's nominees.
Both teams are the other ones in the division to remain unbeaten, with Bury having won two and drawn two, including Saturday's goalless game with Wycombe.
Wanderers' results mirror those of Bury, with wins over Rochdale and Dagenham & Redbridge and a draw with Brentford completing their run in September.
Brentford boss Andy Scott is also amongst the nominees after his side also won two and drew two of their four matches. The Bees' 1-0 win over Chesterfield on Saturday saw them move up to fourth in the League 2 table.
Keith Alexander completes the nominees after his Macclesfield Town side won three of their four matches in September. The Silkmen had failed to pick up a single point or even score a single league goal in August but a 2-1 win over Luton on September 6th kick-started their season. They went on to beat Bournemouth and Port Vale before losing to Exeter last weekend.
The nominations for the Championship Manager of the Month award will be announced on Wednesday with a full programme of action still to be played on Tuesday night.
All winners will be announced on Thursday, live on Sky Sports News at 1.20pm, as well as www.football-league.co.uk.
[Nominees]
Football League - KENNY RELISHING MILLWALL MISSION
After saving Millwall from relegation last season Kenny Jackett is now managing his team at the opposite end of the League 1 table as he looks to build on an impressive record of promotions he has been part of during his 12 years of management.
In stints as assistant manager and manager of Watford, assistant at Queens Park Rangers and manager of Swansea City, the 46 year-old former Watford and Wales defender has helped secure four promotions and been involved in two runs to Play-Off finals.
Another crack at promotion could be in the offing after Millwall's fine start to the new campaign. Sunday's 2-1 win at Swindon, their fifth successive victory, took them up to fourth in the table and only one point behind joint leaders Oldham and Scunthorpe.
It's a totally different situation to the one that Jackett stepped into when he took over at The New Den last November, the Lions at the time lying third from bottom of the table and facing a long battle to avoid the drop.
Yet he left the comparative safety of managing Premiership club Manchester City's reserve team to join Millwall. Why? "It wasn't a difficult decision," insists Jackett. "I'd been a manager before and I wanted to be a manager again - it was that simple.
"Yes, Millwall were in trouble, but you rarely get offered a job with a club in a great situation - and if you do then that brings its own pressure because you have to keep things going well if the club is in a good position.
"When you inherit a situation like the one I had at Millwall the job is obviously to improve things, and it wasn't easy. Injuries had already been a problem and it stayed that way right through the season, so in the circumstances we did well to stay up."
A 17th place finish represented mission accomplished for Jackett, but with a new campaign has come a new mission as the manager sets out with the aim of helping the Lions regain the Championship place they lost in 2006.
"We've had a promising start to the season," he says, "and it's helped players and supporters to believe we can continue to have a good season. I've not set targets, but I have enjoyed a few promotions in my time and I'd love to add to the list with Millwall." Football League
Dowie's Best Young Championship Player...Gavin Mahon's Perspective....Two Derby Defenders Make "Team of the Week"...Ex-QPR Midfielder Team of Week
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Dowie: Southampton's Adam Lallan Best Young Player in Championship He'd Seen Glen Roeder/Daily Echo -
“NORWICH manager Glenn Roeder is wary of Saints ahead of his side’s trip to St Mary’s – and singled out Adam Lallana as a real dangerman...'One boy in particular, Adam Lallana, is catching the eye and the imagination of most Premier League clubs, I’m told. “Iain Dowie said to me after the QPR game that he was the best young player he’d seen in the Championship by a mile, so we’ve obviously got to be aware of him.” Daily Echo
Not sure that reading this will add to anything!
Eurosport - Championship - 60 seconds with Gavin Mahon
Eurosport-Yahoo grilled Queens Park Rangers' hardman midfielder Gavin Mahon on a series of important issues such as why he hates Finland.
Who is your sporting hero?
I have to say Steven Gerrard. Every player looks up to him. He's just got better and better and he's been so successful.
What's the worst country you've ever visited?
Finland. We went there on a pre-season tour and it was complete daylight at six or seven in the morning. There were people drunk on the park benches and you could see where they'd vomited: when they get the chance all people do there is drink, drink, drink.
What is your favourite film?
The Shawshank Redemption. And the comedy Kingpin, that's a classic.
How big is your television?
42". I want a bigger one, but my front room isn't that big and my wife won't let me.
If you could choose a magical power for a day, what would it be?
I'd be able to click my fingers and go anywhere. I'd just click and instantly be in Milan to buy clothes.
Gordon Brown or David Cameron?
Gordon Brown. I've listened to what people have said and Mr Cameron has not changed that much. I don't bother voting, although my wife does.
Uncle Benns or Mr Kipling?
Uncle Benns. When I was younger I used to eat loads of rice and Uncle Benns chicken.
What is the first record you bought?
It was Michael Jackson, Bad I think.
What car do you drive?
A Range Rover Vogue.
Who is the best player you have ever played with?
When I played with Jermaine Pennant at Watford, you'd give him the ball and he'd do things with it, just go past people.
What is your least favourite away ground?
Rotherham's old ground Millmoor was poor. The pitch was bad and the changing rooms were separated by a thin wall so you could hear the other manager's team talk from next door! Welling United's was bad in non-league, you'd get changed with only plywood between you and you had to share toilets - you'd go before the match and see their centre-half on his way out! Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport
Two Derby County defenders make the Championship Team of the Week...! Jordan Stewart and Martin Albrechtsen - Championship Team of the Week
Meanwhile ex-QPR Marcus Bean, now at Brentford, made the League Two "Team of the Week"
Bean speaking on Brentford site - BEAN NOT RESTING ON LAURELS
Brentford match-winner Marcus Bean said there was still "more to come" after he notched the only goal in The Bees 1-0 victory at Chesterfield.
The central midfielder headed a Glenn Poole corner in via the far post and said he was really happy that he was able to help his team to the win.
"It was a good feeling," said Bean. "I felt we got what we deserved."
Speaking of his goal, Bean added: "I was trying to glance it and aim for the far post.
"The gaffer [Andy Scott] said 60 per cent of goals last weekend were scored from set pieces - it's an important thing.
"I'm enjoying my time here, I'm enjoying playing games.
"I have got my confidence and there is more to come..." Brentford
Dowie: Southampton's Adam Lallan Best Young Player in Championship He'd Seen Glen Roeder/Daily Echo -
“NORWICH manager Glenn Roeder is wary of Saints ahead of his side’s trip to St Mary’s – and singled out Adam Lallana as a real dangerman...'One boy in particular, Adam Lallana, is catching the eye and the imagination of most Premier League clubs, I’m told. “Iain Dowie said to me after the QPR game that he was the best young player he’d seen in the Championship by a mile, so we’ve obviously got to be aware of him.” Daily Echo
Not sure that reading this will add to anything!
Eurosport - Championship - 60 seconds with Gavin Mahon
Eurosport-Yahoo grilled Queens Park Rangers' hardman midfielder Gavin Mahon on a series of important issues such as why he hates Finland.
Who is your sporting hero?
I have to say Steven Gerrard. Every player looks up to him. He's just got better and better and he's been so successful.
What's the worst country you've ever visited?
Finland. We went there on a pre-season tour and it was complete daylight at six or seven in the morning. There were people drunk on the park benches and you could see where they'd vomited: when they get the chance all people do there is drink, drink, drink.
What is your favourite film?
The Shawshank Redemption. And the comedy Kingpin, that's a classic.
How big is your television?
42". I want a bigger one, but my front room isn't that big and my wife won't let me.
If you could choose a magical power for a day, what would it be?
I'd be able to click my fingers and go anywhere. I'd just click and instantly be in Milan to buy clothes.
Gordon Brown or David Cameron?
Gordon Brown. I've listened to what people have said and Mr Cameron has not changed that much. I don't bother voting, although my wife does.
Uncle Benns or Mr Kipling?
Uncle Benns. When I was younger I used to eat loads of rice and Uncle Benns chicken.
What is the first record you bought?
It was Michael Jackson, Bad I think.
What car do you drive?
A Range Rover Vogue.
Who is the best player you have ever played with?
When I played with Jermaine Pennant at Watford, you'd give him the ball and he'd do things with it, just go past people.
What is your least favourite away ground?
Rotherham's old ground Millmoor was poor. The pitch was bad and the changing rooms were separated by a thin wall so you could hear the other manager's team talk from next door! Welling United's was bad in non-league, you'd get changed with only plywood between you and you had to share toilets - you'd go before the match and see their centre-half on his way out! Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport
Two Derby County defenders make the Championship Team of the Week...! Jordan Stewart and Martin Albrechtsen - Championship Team of the Week
Meanwhile ex-QPR Marcus Bean, now at Brentford, made the League Two "Team of the Week"
Bean speaking on Brentford site - BEAN NOT RESTING ON LAURELS
Brentford match-winner Marcus Bean said there was still "more to come" after he notched the only goal in The Bees 1-0 victory at Chesterfield.
The central midfielder headed a Glenn Poole corner in via the far post and said he was really happy that he was able to help his team to the win.
"It was a good feeling," said Bean. "I felt we got what we deserved."
Speaking of his goal, Bean added: "I was trying to glance it and aim for the far post.
"The gaffer [Andy Scott] said 60 per cent of goals last weekend were scored from set pieces - it's an important thing.
"I'm enjoying my time here, I'm enjoying playing games.
"I have got my confidence and there is more to come..." Brentford
Blackpool Preview...Blackpool's Last Win at QPR (Rodney Marsh's Last Game at Loftus Road)...Gorkss and Evatt Want Win...Next Two Refs
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Shana Tova! Have a Good New Year- 5769!
TIME OUT - Queens Park Rangers v Blackpool
In a recent interview, Rangers' co-owner Flavio Briatore stated that he's trying to build 'a unique brand and concept, in essence a boutique stadium'. There are plenty of Rangers diehards who will jib at that description, and also at the wholly unacceptable hike in prices. Tickets which cost £35 are now £50 while the £30 seats are £40. It's a shabby way to treat loyal supporters and also away fans – those from Derby have reported the club to the Football League, and with good reason. The Rams have finally ended their run of 28 games without a win and Paul Jewell's side should begin to make their way up the table, while Tuesday's opponents Blackpool are suggesting they could again confound expectations and stay up. Neither, however, should do a dirty in the Shepherd's Bush boutique. Andrew Shields - Time Out
QPR Game Referees::
- Queens Park Rangers v Blackpool ( 8:00 )
G K HEGLEY I J Cooper and D Ford Fourth Official G R Young
- Birmingham City v Queens Park Rangers (12:45 )
A P D'URSO - S J Rushton and W D Smallwood - Fourth Official S J Bratt Refs
Blackpool's Last Victory at Loftus Road - 1972 - Rodney Marsh's Last QPR Game at Loftus Road
QPR play Blackpool tonight, as Blackpool seek their first victory at Loftus Road since 1972. That 1972 Blackpool victory was in fact the last game, Rodney Marsh played at Loftus Road in the hoops. After playing in QPR's next two away games (both lost), Marsh was sold to Manchester City, in what for QPR fans at the time was one of the blackest moments in QPR History. Gordon Jago's QPR started the game in a strong promotion position, but after Venables limped off with a groin injury (and missed the rest of the season) just a black day as Blackpool snatched a win. Of course, after Marsh was sold, QPR went the rest of the season (12 games) undefeated, with a teenage midfield duo of Gerry Francis and Martyn Busby - and just missed out on promotion. QPR's 1972 Team against Blackpool: Parkes - Clement Hazell Mancini Gillard - Saul Venables Francis Ferguson - Marsh McCulloch - Sub: Busby. -
Blackpool Gazette/Steve Canavan - Gorkss hopes for good reception
KASPARS Gorkss is desperate to face his old club tonight but he has no idea if he'll be in the QPR squad, never mind the starting 11.
Gorkss will meet with his team-mates for the first time since his protracted departure to QPR in the summer.
But life at Rangers hasn't been as idyllic as he'd have liked.
Gorkss was dropped after a dodgy start and has so far been unable to fight his way back in.
He wasn't even in the 16 for Saturday's home defeat at the hands of Derby.
The Latvian feels the length of time it took to get him from Blackpool to QPR didn't help.
Because of a row between the two clubs, his £250,000 move took the entire pre-season to complete.
"It didn't help that I missed most of the pre-season games, so I guess my pre-season began with the start of the league season," said Gorkss.
"But I feel much better now fitness-wise and hopefully I can get in the team."
Whether Gorkss is involved tonight or not, he wishes nothing but the best to his former club.
"I can't say that I'm surprised with the way they've started," added the 26-year-old, who scored for Blackpool against Rangers at Loftus Road last season.
"Some people were talking about Blackpool as a team that's going to go down this year.
"But they got 13 new players and it helps Blackpool that everyone was talking about them like that. It's less pressure on them, that makes it easier to play, and I think they will stay up again.
"Last season Blackpool played much better away to strong teams than they did at home to weaker sides.
"Of course when Blackpool play us I'm not on their side, but I wish them well after that and hope to see them get more wins.
"I have good memories of the club, they're a great bunch of lads and I keep in touch with a lot of them.
"I think it's going to be a friendly atmosphere as far as my old team-mates are concerned, that's for sure.
"The Blackpool fans I'm not too sure about, but I hope they'll still be good to me.
"But I want to win. It's a game that is massively important to the club and it is winnable."
Simon Grayson hopes otherwise, though he is thankful to Gorkss for what the centre half did for Blackpool.
"It will be nice to see Kaspars," said the manager. "Whether he actually plays or not remains to be seen but he did very well for us.
"However, I brought players in during the summer who I think have done equally well and it won't be about Kaspars – it's Blackpool versus QPR."
Ben Burgess lived close to Gorkss in St Annes and he too is keen to seeing his old pal, even if it could mean the odd bruise or two.
"I'm especially looking forward to playing against Kaspars. He kicked me enough times in training and I'm sure it won't be any different during the game," said Burgess, who scored both home and away against Rangers last season.
"I think he's an excellent defender. That's why QPR and a lot of other teams wanted him and that is why he is getting a lot of money and probably lives in a house with a swimming pool!
"But he deserves every penny that he gets because he is a good player.
"He has worked hard. He had bad times at Blackpool when he wasn't involved but he showed last season what a good player he is, both in defence and attack."
Blackpool Gazette
- See Also: Next: Blackpool - Squad, Results, Past Results
Ian Evatt returns to QPR: Famously signed by Bill Power and Gianni Paladini in Majorca in June 2005 - Evatt Joins QPR -- Evatt Leaves QPR
Blackpool Gazette/Steve Canavan - Evatt wants QPR revenge
BLACKPOOL defender Ian Evatt returns to his old club QPR determined to get revenge and keep the Seasiders' Championship campaign on track.
Evatt told The Gazette he believes he is in the form of his life – and tonight he'll need to be.
Britain's second-richest club after Manchester City, fifth-placed Rangers represent a huge challenge for Pool.
Add to that the fact that the Tangerines haven't emerged from Loftus Road with three points for more than 36 years – a 1-0 success in 1972 - and it shows how tough tonight's trip is.
But Evatt is undaunted. He said: "QPR are a good team and it's a tough game for us, but we have been doing well away from home, as the Birmingham and Southampton games showed.
"It suits our style to be the away team because we play good counter attacking football.
"Hopefully QPR will come at us and it will give us opportunities to find gaps in their defence. If we can do that then we are capable, with our creative and attacking players, of getting a goal or two.
"I didn't leave QPR on the best of terms but it's all forgotten now.
"I am loving my football here. I am probably playing the best football of my career.
"Myself and Rob Edwards are thoroughly enjoying it and doing well together" Blackpool Gazette
What Evatt Said After Leaving QPR
IAN EVATT The Times Evatt proves to be Wise signing Ian Whittell
".......“QPR bought my contract out at the start of January, I’d had a good loan spell here and was more than happy to sign,” Evatt said. “But I was disappointed and felt let down a bit by how QPR treated me, especially towards the end.
“You just have to hold your head up and keep battling away and I’ve proved today I can play at Championship level, most of the lads have done. Going for promotion, as we are, that has got to give you confidence...” Times
Dail Mail Leveller Evatt sends message to Gregory - By COLIN WOOD -
Ian Evatt clearly hopes his rescue act for Blackpool will come to the attention of Queens Park Rangers manager John Gregory and everyone at Loftus Road....
The tall, 25-year-old central defender feels he has no cause to be grateful to Gregory and QPR, who paid him off before he made his loan to Blackpool a permanent move this month.
Evatt played under Gregory for more than a year at Derby and admitted that he felt his old boss had treated him with "a lack of common courtesy".
Speaking of the latest parting, Evatt said: "He got sacked at Derby while I was there. Having known him a while it's disappointing that I didn't even get a phone call. I felt let down, the way I was treated at QPR towards the end. A few players will say the same thing. I did not speak to John Gregory, full stop."
But after netting his first goal for Blackpool - "the most important I've ever scored" - he doesn't intend to let that bitterness stop him enjoying his time ahead.His sights are set on promotion to the Championship and a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup - a stage the club last reached 17 years ago..."
Guardian -Evatt settles the scores of a season Louise Taylor at Bloomfield Road
"... afterwards Blackpool's villain-turned-hero displayed greater enthusiasm for deconstructing Gregory than discussing the rematch. "I was bitterly disappointed by the way it ended at QPR; I felt a bit let down," said Evatt, who joined Blackpool, where he spent the early part of the season on loan, for nothing this month after QPR terminated his contract. "I didn't get one phone call from anyone at QPR to explain what was happening. And John Gregory didn't speak to me, full stop. That hurt but I've just got to hold my head up and try and get back into the Championship with Blackpool," added the 25-year-old who, although already borrowed by Grayson when Gregory took charge at Loftus Road, believed their earlier association at Derby County entitled him to a debrief, if not a second chance.
Things went badly wrong for the centre-half almost from the moment QPR's former manager, Ian Holloway, paid Chesterfield £150,000 for him and said he was the club's "new Glenn Roeder". Evatt's decent distribution failed to compensate for a lack of pace and a string of mishaps. Grayson, though, detected potential and Evatt has vindicated this by playing an important role in Blackpool's emergence as promotion contenders...." Guardian - Evatt View
- LoftforWords' Clive Whittingham Previews QPR vs Blackpool and Ashleigh Rose/LoftforWords Memories of and Links Between QPR vs Blackpool
Shana Tova! Have a Good New Year- 5769!
TIME OUT - Queens Park Rangers v Blackpool
In a recent interview, Rangers' co-owner Flavio Briatore stated that he's trying to build 'a unique brand and concept, in essence a boutique stadium'. There are plenty of Rangers diehards who will jib at that description, and also at the wholly unacceptable hike in prices. Tickets which cost £35 are now £50 while the £30 seats are £40. It's a shabby way to treat loyal supporters and also away fans – those from Derby have reported the club to the Football League, and with good reason. The Rams have finally ended their run of 28 games without a win and Paul Jewell's side should begin to make their way up the table, while Tuesday's opponents Blackpool are suggesting they could again confound expectations and stay up. Neither, however, should do a dirty in the Shepherd's Bush boutique. Andrew Shields - Time Out
QPR Game Referees::
- Queens Park Rangers v Blackpool ( 8:00 )
G K HEGLEY I J Cooper and D Ford Fourth Official G R Young
- Birmingham City v Queens Park Rangers (12:45 )
A P D'URSO - S J Rushton and W D Smallwood - Fourth Official S J Bratt Refs
Blackpool's Last Victory at Loftus Road - 1972 - Rodney Marsh's Last QPR Game at Loftus Road
QPR play Blackpool tonight, as Blackpool seek their first victory at Loftus Road since 1972. That 1972 Blackpool victory was in fact the last game, Rodney Marsh played at Loftus Road in the hoops. After playing in QPR's next two away games (both lost), Marsh was sold to Manchester City, in what for QPR fans at the time was one of the blackest moments in QPR History. Gordon Jago's QPR started the game in a strong promotion position, but after Venables limped off with a groin injury (and missed the rest of the season) just a black day as Blackpool snatched a win. Of course, after Marsh was sold, QPR went the rest of the season (12 games) undefeated, with a teenage midfield duo of Gerry Francis and Martyn Busby - and just missed out on promotion. QPR's 1972 Team against Blackpool: Parkes - Clement Hazell Mancini Gillard - Saul Venables Francis Ferguson - Marsh McCulloch - Sub: Busby. -
Blackpool Gazette/Steve Canavan - Gorkss hopes for good reception
KASPARS Gorkss is desperate to face his old club tonight but he has no idea if he'll be in the QPR squad, never mind the starting 11.
Gorkss will meet with his team-mates for the first time since his protracted departure to QPR in the summer.
But life at Rangers hasn't been as idyllic as he'd have liked.
Gorkss was dropped after a dodgy start and has so far been unable to fight his way back in.
He wasn't even in the 16 for Saturday's home defeat at the hands of Derby.
The Latvian feels the length of time it took to get him from Blackpool to QPR didn't help.
Because of a row between the two clubs, his £250,000 move took the entire pre-season to complete.
"It didn't help that I missed most of the pre-season games, so I guess my pre-season began with the start of the league season," said Gorkss.
"But I feel much better now fitness-wise and hopefully I can get in the team."
Whether Gorkss is involved tonight or not, he wishes nothing but the best to his former club.
"I can't say that I'm surprised with the way they've started," added the 26-year-old, who scored for Blackpool against Rangers at Loftus Road last season.
"Some people were talking about Blackpool as a team that's going to go down this year.
"But they got 13 new players and it helps Blackpool that everyone was talking about them like that. It's less pressure on them, that makes it easier to play, and I think they will stay up again.
"Last season Blackpool played much better away to strong teams than they did at home to weaker sides.
"Of course when Blackpool play us I'm not on their side, but I wish them well after that and hope to see them get more wins.
"I have good memories of the club, they're a great bunch of lads and I keep in touch with a lot of them.
"I think it's going to be a friendly atmosphere as far as my old team-mates are concerned, that's for sure.
"The Blackpool fans I'm not too sure about, but I hope they'll still be good to me.
"But I want to win. It's a game that is massively important to the club and it is winnable."
Simon Grayson hopes otherwise, though he is thankful to Gorkss for what the centre half did for Blackpool.
"It will be nice to see Kaspars," said the manager. "Whether he actually plays or not remains to be seen but he did very well for us.
"However, I brought players in during the summer who I think have done equally well and it won't be about Kaspars – it's Blackpool versus QPR."
Ben Burgess lived close to Gorkss in St Annes and he too is keen to seeing his old pal, even if it could mean the odd bruise or two.
"I'm especially looking forward to playing against Kaspars. He kicked me enough times in training and I'm sure it won't be any different during the game," said Burgess, who scored both home and away against Rangers last season.
"I think he's an excellent defender. That's why QPR and a lot of other teams wanted him and that is why he is getting a lot of money and probably lives in a house with a swimming pool!
"But he deserves every penny that he gets because he is a good player.
"He has worked hard. He had bad times at Blackpool when he wasn't involved but he showed last season what a good player he is, both in defence and attack."
Blackpool Gazette
- See Also: Next: Blackpool - Squad, Results, Past Results
Ian Evatt returns to QPR: Famously signed by Bill Power and Gianni Paladini in Majorca in June 2005 - Evatt Joins QPR -- Evatt Leaves QPR
Blackpool Gazette/Steve Canavan - Evatt wants QPR revenge
BLACKPOOL defender Ian Evatt returns to his old club QPR determined to get revenge and keep the Seasiders' Championship campaign on track.
Evatt told The Gazette he believes he is in the form of his life – and tonight he'll need to be.
Britain's second-richest club after Manchester City, fifth-placed Rangers represent a huge challenge for Pool.
Add to that the fact that the Tangerines haven't emerged from Loftus Road with three points for more than 36 years – a 1-0 success in 1972 - and it shows how tough tonight's trip is.
But Evatt is undaunted. He said: "QPR are a good team and it's a tough game for us, but we have been doing well away from home, as the Birmingham and Southampton games showed.
"It suits our style to be the away team because we play good counter attacking football.
"Hopefully QPR will come at us and it will give us opportunities to find gaps in their defence. If we can do that then we are capable, with our creative and attacking players, of getting a goal or two.
"I didn't leave QPR on the best of terms but it's all forgotten now.
"I am loving my football here. I am probably playing the best football of my career.
"Myself and Rob Edwards are thoroughly enjoying it and doing well together" Blackpool Gazette
What Evatt Said After Leaving QPR
IAN EVATT The Times Evatt proves to be Wise signing Ian Whittell
".......“QPR bought my contract out at the start of January, I’d had a good loan spell here and was more than happy to sign,” Evatt said. “But I was disappointed and felt let down a bit by how QPR treated me, especially towards the end.
“You just have to hold your head up and keep battling away and I’ve proved today I can play at Championship level, most of the lads have done. Going for promotion, as we are, that has got to give you confidence...” Times
Dail Mail Leveller Evatt sends message to Gregory - By COLIN WOOD -
Ian Evatt clearly hopes his rescue act for Blackpool will come to the attention of Queens Park Rangers manager John Gregory and everyone at Loftus Road....
The tall, 25-year-old central defender feels he has no cause to be grateful to Gregory and QPR, who paid him off before he made his loan to Blackpool a permanent move this month.
Evatt played under Gregory for more than a year at Derby and admitted that he felt his old boss had treated him with "a lack of common courtesy".
Speaking of the latest parting, Evatt said: "He got sacked at Derby while I was there. Having known him a while it's disappointing that I didn't even get a phone call. I felt let down, the way I was treated at QPR towards the end. A few players will say the same thing. I did not speak to John Gregory, full stop."
But after netting his first goal for Blackpool - "the most important I've ever scored" - he doesn't intend to let that bitterness stop him enjoying his time ahead.His sights are set on promotion to the Championship and a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup - a stage the club last reached 17 years ago..."
Guardian -Evatt settles the scores of a season Louise Taylor at Bloomfield Road
"... afterwards Blackpool's villain-turned-hero displayed greater enthusiasm for deconstructing Gregory than discussing the rematch. "I was bitterly disappointed by the way it ended at QPR; I felt a bit let down," said Evatt, who joined Blackpool, where he spent the early part of the season on loan, for nothing this month after QPR terminated his contract. "I didn't get one phone call from anyone at QPR to explain what was happening. And John Gregory didn't speak to me, full stop. That hurt but I've just got to hold my head up and try and get back into the Championship with Blackpool," added the 25-year-old who, although already borrowed by Grayson when Gregory took charge at Loftus Road, believed their earlier association at Derby County entitled him to a debrief, if not a second chance.
Things went badly wrong for the centre-half almost from the moment QPR's former manager, Ian Holloway, paid Chesterfield £150,000 for him and said he was the club's "new Glenn Roeder". Evatt's decent distribution failed to compensate for a lack of pace and a string of mishaps. Grayson, though, detected potential and Evatt has vindicated this by playing an important role in Blackpool's emergence as promotion contenders...." Guardian - Evatt View
- LoftforWords' Clive Whittingham Previews QPR vs Blackpool and Ashleigh Rose/LoftforWords Memories of and Links Between QPR vs Blackpool
Tuesday Snippets: Year Flashback- QPR Crushed and Bottom...Decade Flashback: Loo Leaders.... Remembering Blackpool Games...De Canio Denies...Brevett
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On this day one year ago, September 30, 1997...West Bromwich Albion crushed QPR 5-1; QPR were alone at the bottom with 3 points from 7 games; and John Gregory was set to depart..QPR (4-4-2): Camp; Rehman (Curtis HT), Cullip, Stewart, Barker (Bignot 60); Ainsworth, Bolder, Sahar (Ephraim 60), Rowlands; Moore, Blackstock. Subs not used: Cole (gk), Timoska. - Reports of WBA 5 QPR 1
Ironically, two years ago on this day, QPR picked up a second second successive victory for new manager John Gregory - Winning at Southampton. Match Report and Comments.]
And Ten Years ago on this date, perphaps QPR's Finest Achievement: Topping the Loo League - "QPR Top Loo League"
Dave McIntyre- BBC606 - 1990 and all that
QPR’s games against Blackpool always bring back happy memories.
The two clubs have met a fair bit in the league in recent years and will do so again on Tuesday night.
But they were poles apart when drawn against each other in the fifth round of the FA Cup in 1990.
Rangers were in good form under Don Howe and had beaten his former club Arsenal in an unforgettable fourth-round replay (my favourite night at Loftus Road until the 2003 play-off victory against Oldham.)
Arsenal manager George Graham said that night: “Rangers have such a great defence they can go all the way to Wembley.”
And it was a great defence.
Howe had all bases covered with Paul Parker as sweeper, Alan McDonald dominant in the air and Danny Maddix, surely the most underrated player ever, establishing himself as the best man-marker in the business – regularly keeping the country's most feared strikers in his pocket.
With Kenny Sansom and the brilliant David Bardsley as the full-backs and David Seaman in goal, Rangers were in good shape.
They had good reason to be confident after Colin Clarke’s equaliser at Blackpool rescued a 2-2 draw and set up a replay.
Replays, like QPR fans on moderate incomes, are being phased out. But back in the day, we not only had replays, we had second replays too.
And if that seems weird to the younger generation then try this: QPR, then a top-flight club with a realistic chance of winning the FA Cup, failed to score against a lower-division side at home, and both teams were applauded off the pitch.
Can you imagine that happening these days, when 0-0 at home to a side in the same division is often greeted with derision?
Blackpool were brilliant that night and so were their fans.
I still vividly remember the chants of “Sea, sea, sea-siders” ringing out from the School End as well as “Oooh Andy Garner” in honour of Blackpool’s popular striker at the time.
But the player who really caught the eye was a young Alan Wright.
He went on to star for Aston Villa as a left-back but played at right-back against Rangers and was outstanding. So much so that he was clapped off by QPR fans when substituted.
Rangers crucially won the toss to host the second replay – a fact announced over the tannoy and greeted with delight by the home supporters.
For those who were there that night: was the buzz among the fans, given the result, as good as I remember and a world apart from the venom that in recent years has so easily spread around the ground? Or was I just seeing things through an excited young fan’s eyes?
The atmosphere did seem different - so much so that the second replay began with Blackpool’s players applauding the Loft in acknowledgment of the applause they received from QPR fans at the end of the previous game.
With a quarter-final at home to Liverpool awaiting the winners, Wright was even better in the first half of the next game as Blackpool continued to keep Rangers at bay.
But he stepped on the ball, letting Andy Sinton in to break the deadlock and then gave away a penalty which Simon Barker converted to seal a 3-0 win for Rangers.
It was a good time to be a young Rangers fan. My mate and I used to arrive early to bag our favourite place at the front of the Loft near the right-hand post, where there was always great banter with Seaman, other fans and Tom the steward, who many other regulars down the years will probably know.
It was also the start of a good era for Rangers, who were then a well-respected club building on solid foundations.
Howe was creating a very good team – arguably QPR’s second-best ever - and I always thought it was a shame he wasn’t given the chance to take it forward. BBC606
BBC - Flowers praises start to season
Queens Park Rangers assistant manager Tim Flowers believes they have started the season better than he expected.
Rangers are fifth in the Championship despite Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Derby.
Flowers told BBC London 94.9: "It's a decent start. If we had been offered this we'd have taken it. But we're not mugs, we know there's a long way to go.
"This season's a marathon. It's a cruel season in the Championship. It's game after game and it stretches you to the limits but we've got a decent squad."
And the R's assistant says it is important to turn their attention to Tuesday night's match against Blackpool rather than dwell on defeat.
"We'll make sure they come out of the blocks a bit quicker.
"But I think we're moving in the right direction. We're trying to play football that people appreciate. This club hasn't had a cup run for a long period of time. Let's make no mistake we are certainly moving in the right direction." BBC
Goal.com -29/09/2008 23:02 De Canio Quashes Reggina Rumours
Former QPR coach Luigi De Canio has denied that Reggina have contacted him to take over the Amaranto hot seat.
The Calabrians lost 1-0 in Palermo yesterday and have only one point after five games.
The pressure is piling on coach Nevio Orlandi and reports in the peninsula suggested that president Lillo Foti was ready to swing the axe and call in veteran De Canio.
But the ex-Udinese manager has told Radio Incontro that there is no truth in those whispers: "I have only received phone calls from a couple of foreign teams," he admitted.
"I don't know anything about Reggina. No one has contacted me yet."
De Canio also commented on the sporting gesture that Palermo fans witnessed yesterday at the Barbera Stadium. Reggina's Franco Brienza had a great opportunity to score when clear on goal, but stopped after a collision between Bernardo Corradi and Moris Carrozzieri left both players on the floor.
"I have to applaud him. Reggina may have lost yesterday, but fair play triumphed. Sometimes players exaggerate and kick the ball out even when it is not really necessary. But this time was different and this kind of gestures deserves to be commended," concluded De Canio.
Vince Masiello, Goal.com - Goal.com
Non-League Daily - BREVETT COUP FOR BEDFONT
Bedfont manager Mick Turtle has managed to pull off something of a coup for the Combined Counties League Premier Division club with the capture of former Queens Park Rangers and Fulham player Rufus Brevitt as his new number two.
Bedfont have been reeling of late with the loss of two key players but this news has reignited the club and they were unfortunate not to get a draw out of high-flying Badshott Lea on Saturday.
Turtle said: “It has all been a bit of a whirlwind really. I only met Rufus on Thursday when he came down to do a bit of coaching for his badges, and to be honest he fitted straight in. The lads loved the session he did and he liked the professionalism and ambition we have here and he feels that he can help us achieve our aims.”
Turtle has also brought in Bobby Watson to help and assist coach Daniel Butler. Non League Daily
On this day one year ago, September 30, 1997...West Bromwich Albion crushed QPR 5-1; QPR were alone at the bottom with 3 points from 7 games; and John Gregory was set to depart..QPR (4-4-2): Camp; Rehman (Curtis HT), Cullip, Stewart, Barker (Bignot 60); Ainsworth, Bolder, Sahar (Ephraim 60), Rowlands; Moore, Blackstock. Subs not used: Cole (gk), Timoska. - Reports of WBA 5 QPR 1
Ironically, two years ago on this day, QPR picked up a second second successive victory for new manager John Gregory - Winning at Southampton. Match Report and Comments.]
And Ten Years ago on this date, perphaps QPR's Finest Achievement: Topping the Loo League - "QPR Top Loo League"
Dave McIntyre- BBC606 - 1990 and all that
QPR’s games against Blackpool always bring back happy memories.
The two clubs have met a fair bit in the league in recent years and will do so again on Tuesday night.
But they were poles apart when drawn against each other in the fifth round of the FA Cup in 1990.
Rangers were in good form under Don Howe and had beaten his former club Arsenal in an unforgettable fourth-round replay (my favourite night at Loftus Road until the 2003 play-off victory against Oldham.)
Arsenal manager George Graham said that night: “Rangers have such a great defence they can go all the way to Wembley.”
And it was a great defence.
Howe had all bases covered with Paul Parker as sweeper, Alan McDonald dominant in the air and Danny Maddix, surely the most underrated player ever, establishing himself as the best man-marker in the business – regularly keeping the country's most feared strikers in his pocket.
With Kenny Sansom and the brilliant David Bardsley as the full-backs and David Seaman in goal, Rangers were in good shape.
They had good reason to be confident after Colin Clarke’s equaliser at Blackpool rescued a 2-2 draw and set up a replay.
Replays, like QPR fans on moderate incomes, are being phased out. But back in the day, we not only had replays, we had second replays too.
And if that seems weird to the younger generation then try this: QPR, then a top-flight club with a realistic chance of winning the FA Cup, failed to score against a lower-division side at home, and both teams were applauded off the pitch.
Can you imagine that happening these days, when 0-0 at home to a side in the same division is often greeted with derision?
Blackpool were brilliant that night and so were their fans.
I still vividly remember the chants of “Sea, sea, sea-siders” ringing out from the School End as well as “Oooh Andy Garner” in honour of Blackpool’s popular striker at the time.
But the player who really caught the eye was a young Alan Wright.
He went on to star for Aston Villa as a left-back but played at right-back against Rangers and was outstanding. So much so that he was clapped off by QPR fans when substituted.
Rangers crucially won the toss to host the second replay – a fact announced over the tannoy and greeted with delight by the home supporters.
For those who were there that night: was the buzz among the fans, given the result, as good as I remember and a world apart from the venom that in recent years has so easily spread around the ground? Or was I just seeing things through an excited young fan’s eyes?
The atmosphere did seem different - so much so that the second replay began with Blackpool’s players applauding the Loft in acknowledgment of the applause they received from QPR fans at the end of the previous game.
With a quarter-final at home to Liverpool awaiting the winners, Wright was even better in the first half of the next game as Blackpool continued to keep Rangers at bay.
But he stepped on the ball, letting Andy Sinton in to break the deadlock and then gave away a penalty which Simon Barker converted to seal a 3-0 win for Rangers.
It was a good time to be a young Rangers fan. My mate and I used to arrive early to bag our favourite place at the front of the Loft near the right-hand post, where there was always great banter with Seaman, other fans and Tom the steward, who many other regulars down the years will probably know.
It was also the start of a good era for Rangers, who were then a well-respected club building on solid foundations.
Howe was creating a very good team – arguably QPR’s second-best ever - and I always thought it was a shame he wasn’t given the chance to take it forward. BBC606
BBC - Flowers praises start to season
Queens Park Rangers assistant manager Tim Flowers believes they have started the season better than he expected.
Rangers are fifth in the Championship despite Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Derby.
Flowers told BBC London 94.9: "It's a decent start. If we had been offered this we'd have taken it. But we're not mugs, we know there's a long way to go.
"This season's a marathon. It's a cruel season in the Championship. It's game after game and it stretches you to the limits but we've got a decent squad."
And the R's assistant says it is important to turn their attention to Tuesday night's match against Blackpool rather than dwell on defeat.
"We'll make sure they come out of the blocks a bit quicker.
"But I think we're moving in the right direction. We're trying to play football that people appreciate. This club hasn't had a cup run for a long period of time. Let's make no mistake we are certainly moving in the right direction." BBC
Goal.com -29/09/2008 23:02 De Canio Quashes Reggina Rumours
Former QPR coach Luigi De Canio has denied that Reggina have contacted him to take over the Amaranto hot seat.
The Calabrians lost 1-0 in Palermo yesterday and have only one point after five games.
The pressure is piling on coach Nevio Orlandi and reports in the peninsula suggested that president Lillo Foti was ready to swing the axe and call in veteran De Canio.
But the ex-Udinese manager has told Radio Incontro that there is no truth in those whispers: "I have only received phone calls from a couple of foreign teams," he admitted.
"I don't know anything about Reggina. No one has contacted me yet."
De Canio also commented on the sporting gesture that Palermo fans witnessed yesterday at the Barbera Stadium. Reggina's Franco Brienza had a great opportunity to score when clear on goal, but stopped after a collision between Bernardo Corradi and Moris Carrozzieri left both players on the floor.
"I have to applaud him. Reggina may have lost yesterday, but fair play triumphed. Sometimes players exaggerate and kick the ball out even when it is not really necessary. But this time was different and this kind of gestures deserves to be commended," concluded De Canio.
Vince Masiello, Goal.com - Goal.com
Non-League Daily - BREVETT COUP FOR BEDFONT
Bedfont manager Mick Turtle has managed to pull off something of a coup for the Combined Counties League Premier Division club with the capture of former Queens Park Rangers and Fulham player Rufus Brevitt as his new number two.
Bedfont have been reeling of late with the loss of two key players but this news has reignited the club and they were unfortunate not to get a draw out of high-flying Badshott Lea on Saturday.
Turtle said: “It has all been a bit of a whirlwind really. I only met Rufus on Thursday when he came down to do a bit of coaching for his badges, and to be honest he fitted straight in. The lads loved the session he did and he liked the professionalism and ambition we have here and he feels that he can help us achieve our aims.”
Turtle has also brought in Bobby Watson to help and assist coach Daniel Butler. Non League Daily
Monday, September 29, 2008
Manchester United vs QPR Date Set
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Manchester United will host Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford on Tuesday ,November 11, 2008. Kickoff 8:00 pm. (QPR victory celebrations hopefully to begin around 10-10:30 pm!)
Manchester United Official Site Date set for QPR clash
United will host Championship side Queens Park Rangers in the Carling Cup fourth round. The tie will take place at Old Trafford on Tuesday 11 November, KO 20:00 GMT.
The clubs have never met in the League Cup and last faced each other in the Premier League back in 1996.
At the time of the fourth round draw, QPR were lying fourth in the Championship. Many experts have tipped the London side to win promotion this season.
QPR boss Iain Dowie oversaw United's shock exit from the competition last season when he brought his Coventry City side to Old Trafford. The Reds lost the third round tie 2-0.
United will play QPR in the week commencing Monday 10 November. Ticket news will be published on ManUtd.com as soon as it's known, so please return regularly for updates.
Elsewhere, Arsenal and Chelsea were both handed home draws, while Liverpool travel to Tottenham Hotspur." Manchester United
UPDATE:
QPR Official Site - UNITED DATE CONFIRMED
Queens Park Rangers will play Manchester United on Tuesday 11th November in the fourth round of the Carling Cup. The tie at Old Trafford will kick-off at 20:00 GMT. Ticket details will follow in due course. QPR
Manchester United will host Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford on Tuesday ,November 11, 2008. Kickoff 8:00 pm. (QPR victory celebrations hopefully to begin around 10-10:30 pm!)
Manchester United Official Site Date set for QPR clash
United will host Championship side Queens Park Rangers in the Carling Cup fourth round. The tie will take place at Old Trafford on Tuesday 11 November, KO 20:00 GMT.
The clubs have never met in the League Cup and last faced each other in the Premier League back in 1996.
At the time of the fourth round draw, QPR were lying fourth in the Championship. Many experts have tipped the London side to win promotion this season.
QPR boss Iain Dowie oversaw United's shock exit from the competition last season when he brought his Coventry City side to Old Trafford. The Reds lost the third round tie 2-0.
United will play QPR in the week commencing Monday 10 November. Ticket news will be published on ManUtd.com as soon as it's known, so please return regularly for updates.
Elsewhere, Arsenal and Chelsea were both handed home draws, while Liverpool travel to Tottenham Hotspur." Manchester United
UPDATE:
QPR Official Site - UNITED DATE CONFIRMED
Queens Park Rangers will play Manchester United on Tuesday 11th November in the fourth round of the Carling Cup. The tie at Old Trafford will kick-off at 20:00 GMT. Ticket details will follow in due course. QPR
QPR's Akos Buzsaky Back in Hungary Squad
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Reuters - Hungary name squad for World Cup qualifiers - Mon Sep 29, 2008
- Hungary coach Erwin Koeman named the following 24-man squad for next month's 2010 World Cup Group One qualifiers against Albania and Malta. Hungary host Albania on Oct. 11 and visit Malta four days later.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Gabor Babos (NEC), Marton Fulop (Sunderland), Laszlo Koteles (Diosgyor), Adam Bogdan (Bolton).
Defenders: Zoltan Szelesi (Strasbourg), Laszlo Bognar (Red Bull Salzburg), Roland Juhasz (Anderlecht), Tamas Vasko (Avellino), Zsolt Low (Hoffenheim), Vilmos Vanczak (Sion), Boldizsar Bodor (Roda), Krisztian Timar (Plymouth).
Midfielders: Tamas Hajnal (Dortmund), Zoltan Gera (Fulham), Krisztian Vadocz (Osasuna), Pal Dardai (Hertha Berlin), Peter Halmosi (Hull), Balazs Toth (Genk), Akos Buzsaky (QPR), Tamas Koltai (Gyori ETO), Balazs Dzsudzsak (PSV), Szabolcs Huszti (Hanover).
Strikers: Gergely Rudolf (Debrecen), Sandor Torghelle (Augsburg).
(Reported by Zoltan Fazekas; Editing by Padraic Halpin) Reuters
Reuters - Hungary name squad for World Cup qualifiers - Mon Sep 29, 2008
- Hungary coach Erwin Koeman named the following 24-man squad for next month's 2010 World Cup Group One qualifiers against Albania and Malta. Hungary host Albania on Oct. 11 and visit Malta four days later.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Gabor Babos (NEC), Marton Fulop (Sunderland), Laszlo Koteles (Diosgyor), Adam Bogdan (Bolton).
Defenders: Zoltan Szelesi (Strasbourg), Laszlo Bognar (Red Bull Salzburg), Roland Juhasz (Anderlecht), Tamas Vasko (Avellino), Zsolt Low (Hoffenheim), Vilmos Vanczak (Sion), Boldizsar Bodor (Roda), Krisztian Timar (Plymouth).
Midfielders: Tamas Hajnal (Dortmund), Zoltan Gera (Fulham), Krisztian Vadocz (Osasuna), Pal Dardai (Hertha Berlin), Peter Halmosi (Hull), Balazs Toth (Genk), Akos Buzsaky (QPR), Tamas Koltai (Gyori ETO), Balazs Dzsudzsak (PSV), Szabolcs Huszti (Hanover).
Strikers: Gergely Rudolf (Debrecen), Sandor Torghelle (Augsburg).
(Reported by Zoltan Fazekas; Editing by Padraic Halpin) Reuters
QPR Snippets - New Year Greetings....Next: Blackpool...New Man in Press Office...Steve Burke...Southend Youth Crush QPR
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To any Jewish readers of QPR Report: Shana Tova! Have a Good New Year- 5769!
Next Up: Blackpool at Loftus Road, Tomorrow.
- Blackpool with three ex-QPRs in their squad: Zesh Rehman, Danny Nardiello and never forget, Ian Evatt. Blackpool's Squad -- Blackpool's Results -- Leage Table: If Blackpool should win tomorrow (2 away wins, 1 draw, 1 loss), they'll go above QPR.
QPR have a great record against Blackpool, which of course means, oh-oh! Head to Head Results.
Memories: Tommy Hutchinson and Tony Green playing for Blackpool in the late 1960s: Great players....QPR pipping Blackpool on goal aggregate back in 1967/68 to gain promotion to the First Division. Rodney Marsh's hatrick in QPR's 6-1 win back in 1969 (Blackpool had the last laugh; they won promotion!). Clive Allen's four goals in QPR's FA Cup replay...Richard Langley's hatrick just before he left QPR...
QPR-Blackpool links: Besides Evatt, Nardiello and Rehman, David Bardsley, Trevor Sinclair, Danny Shittu, Clark Carlisle, John Burridge, and most recently, Kaspar Gorkss (which led to some a summer farce, bad blood between the two clubs and had Blackpool reporting QPR to the FA for making an illegal approach).
Last Encounter: March 2008 at Loftus Road which QPR won 3-2 before a crowd of 11,500. QPR: Camp, Mancienne, Connolly, Leigertwood, Delaney, Buzsaky (Lee 85), Hall, Rowlands (Rehman 90), Vine, Blackstock, Agyemang (Mahon 66). Subs Not Used: Pickens, Balanta. Goals: Buzsaky 11, Vine 40, Rowlands 47.
Blackpool: Rachubka, Barker, Evatt, Gorkss, Crainey, Taylor-Fletcher (Parker 71), Southern (Fox 53), Flynn, Hoolahan, Morrell (Burgess 54), McPhee. Subs Not Used: Coid, Welsh. Goals: Burgess 60, Gorkss 73 - Report
- A new name recently added to the QPR Staff List: "Press and Publications Executive", Hamish Dufton - Joining in the QPR Press Office
Press & Publications Manager - Ian Taylor:
New Media Manager - Paul Morrissey: QPR Staff List
- Former QPR Winger, Steve Burke Turns 48 - Born September 29, 1960.
Burke joined QPR in September 1979, signed by Tommy Docherty from Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest for 150,000 pounds, (before he made his League debut).
In his first season, Burke was a regular in the QPR team. But once Docherty left, under Venables and his successors, Burke made few appearances and went out on loan a couple of times. Burke was hower QPR's (one) substitute in the FA Cup Final replay "travesty" against Spurs and came on.
In September 1986, Burke joined Doncaster on a free transfer. Burke's Playing Career
- Southend Official Site U18'S KNOCK SEVEN PAST QPR
[Full Match report, compliments of Southend!] Southend United U18's 7 Queens Park Rangers U18's 1
Under-18s boss Ricky Duncan put his squad through their paces on their week off as they recorded a 7-1 friendly victory over a Queens Park Rangers Development XI at Boots & Laces.
Duncan fielded his more experienced scholars in the first half before taking a look at a younger, pacier side in the second period, including three trialists. One of the trio was Roland Benedict, the son of American actor and star of 'The A Team' Dirk Benedict. Benedict Jnr. appeared on the left-hand side of midfield, having previously appeared for Gillingham's reserve team, whilst his father watched on from the sidelines to add some celebrity to a sunny day in southeast Essex.
The opposition will bear little resemblance to the QPR outfit that line up against the Blues next Saturday in the Football League Youth Alliance Cup, but put up a determined fight during the opening stages of the encounter....
Southend United U18s: First half: Nathan McDonald; Ricky Byrne, Ronnie Jones, Ade Osifuwa, Duran Reynolds; Davis Abbey; Merrick James-Lewis, Medi Abalimba; Justin Hazell; Fredrik Ljungström, Craig Calver. Second half: Nathan McDonald; John Owinja, Merrick James-Lewis, Duran Reynolds, Joel Mitchell; Kyle Asante, Jamie Dennis, Luke [trialist], Roland Benedict; Harry Crawford, Marcus Milner. Goals: Calver 20, Ljungström 31, Mitchell 49, Crawford 60, 76, Asante 74, Dennis 81.
[QPR Team not provided in the report] Southend
To any Jewish readers of QPR Report: Shana Tova! Have a Good New Year- 5769!
Next Up: Blackpool at Loftus Road, Tomorrow.
- Blackpool with three ex-QPRs in their squad: Zesh Rehman, Danny Nardiello and never forget, Ian Evatt. Blackpool's Squad -- Blackpool's Results -- Leage Table: If Blackpool should win tomorrow (2 away wins, 1 draw, 1 loss), they'll go above QPR.
QPR have a great record against Blackpool, which of course means, oh-oh! Head to Head Results.
Memories: Tommy Hutchinson and Tony Green playing for Blackpool in the late 1960s: Great players....QPR pipping Blackpool on goal aggregate back in 1967/68 to gain promotion to the First Division. Rodney Marsh's hatrick in QPR's 6-1 win back in 1969 (Blackpool had the last laugh; they won promotion!). Clive Allen's four goals in QPR's FA Cup replay...Richard Langley's hatrick just before he left QPR...
QPR-Blackpool links: Besides Evatt, Nardiello and Rehman, David Bardsley, Trevor Sinclair, Danny Shittu, Clark Carlisle, John Burridge, and most recently, Kaspar Gorkss (which led to some a summer farce, bad blood between the two clubs and had Blackpool reporting QPR to the FA for making an illegal approach).
Last Encounter: March 2008 at Loftus Road which QPR won 3-2 before a crowd of 11,500. QPR: Camp, Mancienne, Connolly, Leigertwood, Delaney, Buzsaky (Lee 85), Hall, Rowlands (Rehman 90), Vine, Blackstock, Agyemang (Mahon 66). Subs Not Used: Pickens, Balanta. Goals: Buzsaky 11, Vine 40, Rowlands 47.
Blackpool: Rachubka, Barker, Evatt, Gorkss, Crainey, Taylor-Fletcher (Parker 71), Southern (Fox 53), Flynn, Hoolahan, Morrell (Burgess 54), McPhee. Subs Not Used: Coid, Welsh. Goals: Burgess 60, Gorkss 73 - Report
- A new name recently added to the QPR Staff List: "Press and Publications Executive", Hamish Dufton - Joining in the QPR Press Office
Press & Publications Manager - Ian Taylor:
New Media Manager - Paul Morrissey: QPR Staff List
- Former QPR Winger, Steve Burke Turns 48 - Born September 29, 1960.
Burke joined QPR in September 1979, signed by Tommy Docherty from Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest for 150,000 pounds, (before he made his League debut).
In his first season, Burke was a regular in the QPR team. But once Docherty left, under Venables and his successors, Burke made few appearances and went out on loan a couple of times. Burke was hower QPR's (one) substitute in the FA Cup Final replay "travesty" against Spurs and came on.
In September 1986, Burke joined Doncaster on a free transfer. Burke's Playing Career
- Southend Official Site U18'S KNOCK SEVEN PAST QPR
[Full Match report, compliments of Southend!] Southend United U18's 7 Queens Park Rangers U18's 1
Under-18s boss Ricky Duncan put his squad through their paces on their week off as they recorded a 7-1 friendly victory over a Queens Park Rangers Development XI at Boots & Laces.
Duncan fielded his more experienced scholars in the first half before taking a look at a younger, pacier side in the second period, including three trialists. One of the trio was Roland Benedict, the son of American actor and star of 'The A Team' Dirk Benedict. Benedict Jnr. appeared on the left-hand side of midfield, having previously appeared for Gillingham's reserve team, whilst his father watched on from the sidelines to add some celebrity to a sunny day in southeast Essex.
The opposition will bear little resemblance to the QPR outfit that line up against the Blues next Saturday in the Football League Youth Alliance Cup, but put up a determined fight during the opening stages of the encounter....
Southend United U18s: First half: Nathan McDonald; Ricky Byrne, Ronnie Jones, Ade Osifuwa, Duran Reynolds; Davis Abbey; Merrick James-Lewis, Medi Abalimba; Justin Hazell; Fredrik Ljungström, Craig Calver. Second half: Nathan McDonald; John Owinja, Merrick James-Lewis, Duran Reynolds, Joel Mitchell; Kyle Asante, Jamie Dennis, Luke [trialist], Roland Benedict; Harry Crawford, Marcus Milner. Goals: Calver 20, Ljungström 31, Mitchell 49, Crawford 60, 76, Asante 74, Dennis 81.
[QPR Team not provided in the report] Southend
QPR Weekend Overview: Derby Loss...Man Ut Draw...Bowles Criticizes...QPR Name Change Talk: Claim and Denial...Price Protest...One QPR Speaks
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A few QPR-related items for the QPR Fans who might have turned off their computers on Friday...!
No elaboration is needed about QPR's disappointing 0-2 home loss to Derby County, before a crowd of just over 14,000 - Match Reports and Comments.
And every QPR fan in the world pretty much, must be aware that QPR were drawn against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Fourth Round of the Carling Cup! Game to be played week of November 10!
Elsewhere:
- The proposed Protest against the increase in ticket prices came and went without too much fanfare. (Although most of the Monday press match reports made mention of the ticket prices: Monday Reports)
- "One QPR" Statement - A Statement by "One QPR" - " GREAT FOOTBALL, SHAME ABOUT THE PRICES - ["One QPR" comprises QPR LSA, QPR Official Supporters club,QPR 1st, Friends of QPR, Indy R’s.]
- QPR Name Change to QPC Discussed? - A story by Charles Sale in the Daily Mail, claimed that QPR's owners had discussed a Name Change to Queens Park City!
- Club Statement Categorically Denies Name Change Discussed and Mentions Possible Legal Action vis-a-vis The Daily Mail! - Within hours of the story coming out, the Official Site posted a statement by Briatore Denying any consideration of a name change and mentioning possible Legal Action
- Stan Bowles Expresses Criticism of QPR Owners: - Stan Bowles Criticizes QPR Owners
A Couple of The Articles in Full:
Stan Bowles Perspective:- Sunday People/Peter Ward - 28 September 2008 - TIGHT Rs BLASTED - EXCLUSIVE
QPR legend Stan Bowles has branded the club's billionaire owners skinflints after being sidelined from his hospitality role.
"Billionaires? They're tighter than a coat of paint," said Bowles, 59, once voted Loftus Road's greatest ever player.
Rangers are owned by Formula One big wheels Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal.
Bowles said: "On the last day of last season Iwas asked on the pitch to draw a raffle. Then I was told there was no budget left to pay me.
"This season I was asked to unveil the new mascot, which was a man dressed up as a furry aeroplane - I suspect he was on more money than I was.
"I was handed £100 which didn't even cover my train fare"
He was due to act as a club ambassador again - but says the club have never got back to him. Sunday People
The Daily Mail Story which precipitated the following QPR Statement on its Official Site:
Daily Mail/Charles Sale - QPC is definitely a move too far, Flavio
The super-rich owners of London Championship team QPR have been discussing
changing the name of the club to Queens Park City in order to emphasis its location in the capital.
Renault boss Flavio Briatore, in Singapore preparing his Formula One team for the first night grand prix this weekend, has been openly debating the idea with friends in football and motor racing.
But Rangers fans, already not happy about the huge hike in prices at Loftus Road which has seen the introduction of the first £50 ticket in the Championship this season, won’t be impressed with losing a club name that has been in existence since 1887. The team was called St Jude’s for its first two years.
Nor will Briatore and his billionaire co-owners, Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal, whose combined wealth makes QPR currently the second richest club in the country behind Manchester City, find the Football League in agreement. Commercial motives for name changes are not approved in the lower divisions or the Premier League.
Briatore has also made public that the three owners, who easily have the resources to buy their way out of the Championship, would prefer to fine-tune their football vehicle outside the top flight and bide their time in reaching the top flight, especially in the current state of flux with club ownership. Daily Mail
QPR Official Site- CLUB STATEMENT
Following a report in one of today's national newspapers, titled 'QPC is definitely a move too far, Flavio,' QPR Holdings Ltd Chairman Flavio Briatore has issued the following statement:
"This is pure fabrication and I don't know where the story has come from. I haven't spoken to anybody about this subject.
"I don't know the journalist, but I know the story is totally untrue and we will be contacting our lawyers to pursue this matter further.
"I can categorically deny that there is any truth in this article."
The Club will be making no further comment. QPR Official Site
ONE QPR STATEMENT - GREAT FOOTBALL, SHAME ABOUT THE PRICES.[One QPR is made up of, QPR LSA, QPR Official Supporters club, QPR 1st, Friends of QPR, Indy R’s.]
- We are delighted by the football of the Superhoops so far this season. The victory over Villa on Wednesday was our best performance for years. We welcome the investment into the club, which has brought us exciting football and the hope of a return to the top tier of English football. However, we want all of our fan base to enjoy this success and not to be priced out of Loftus Road.
- Price increases in the Loft were only withdrawn after opposition by Derby County and their fans, and the united action of QPR fans groups, with the aid of the Football Supporters’ Association. The Football League told QPR to honour its charter with away fans and to restore prices in the 'away end ' to their original levels. The club could have kept the prices in the Loft at the increased level, but pressure from fans and the coverage in the media thankfully persuaded the board to put prices in the Loft back to their original level. However, increases for other areas of the ground were not withdrawn, we demand that these too be restored to their original levels.
- We want Loftus Road to be full every game and a return of the famous Rangers Roar. Let us make our ground a fortress. But to do this we need to fill the ground with fans, not price out our loyal fan base.
- The club at our meeting with them on the 23 September, listened to our views and the views of the fans and promised to take those views back to the Board. We urge the board to now withdraw all price increases and match banding.
Printed and published by ONE QPR.
One QPR is made up of, QPR LSA, QPR Official Supporters club, QPR 1st, Friends of QPR, Indy R’s. Posted on LSA and Posted on QPR 1st.
Numerous Other QPR-related stories over the past 72-hours can be read at QPR Report, by just scrolling through QPR Report!
A few QPR-related items for the QPR Fans who might have turned off their computers on Friday...!
No elaboration is needed about QPR's disappointing 0-2 home loss to Derby County, before a crowd of just over 14,000 - Match Reports and Comments.
And every QPR fan in the world pretty much, must be aware that QPR were drawn against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Fourth Round of the Carling Cup! Game to be played week of November 10!
Elsewhere:
- The proposed Protest against the increase in ticket prices came and went without too much fanfare. (Although most of the Monday press match reports made mention of the ticket prices: Monday Reports)
- "One QPR" Statement - A Statement by "One QPR" - " GREAT FOOTBALL, SHAME ABOUT THE PRICES - ["One QPR" comprises QPR LSA, QPR Official Supporters club,QPR 1st, Friends of QPR, Indy R’s.]
- QPR Name Change to QPC Discussed? - A story by Charles Sale in the Daily Mail, claimed that QPR's owners had discussed a Name Change to Queens Park City!
- Club Statement Categorically Denies Name Change Discussed and Mentions Possible Legal Action vis-a-vis The Daily Mail! - Within hours of the story coming out, the Official Site posted a statement by Briatore Denying any consideration of a name change and mentioning possible Legal Action
- Stan Bowles Expresses Criticism of QPR Owners: - Stan Bowles Criticizes QPR Owners
A Couple of The Articles in Full:
Stan Bowles Perspective:- Sunday People/Peter Ward - 28 September 2008 - TIGHT Rs BLASTED - EXCLUSIVE
QPR legend Stan Bowles has branded the club's billionaire owners skinflints after being sidelined from his hospitality role.
"Billionaires? They're tighter than a coat of paint," said Bowles, 59, once voted Loftus Road's greatest ever player.
Rangers are owned by Formula One big wheels Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal.
Bowles said: "On the last day of last season Iwas asked on the pitch to draw a raffle. Then I was told there was no budget left to pay me.
"This season I was asked to unveil the new mascot, which was a man dressed up as a furry aeroplane - I suspect he was on more money than I was.
"I was handed £100 which didn't even cover my train fare"
He was due to act as a club ambassador again - but says the club have never got back to him. Sunday People
The Daily Mail Story which precipitated the following QPR Statement on its Official Site:
Daily Mail/Charles Sale - QPC is definitely a move too far, Flavio
The super-rich owners of London Championship team QPR have been discussing
changing the name of the club to Queens Park City in order to emphasis its location in the capital.
Renault boss Flavio Briatore, in Singapore preparing his Formula One team for the first night grand prix this weekend, has been openly debating the idea with friends in football and motor racing.
But Rangers fans, already not happy about the huge hike in prices at Loftus Road which has seen the introduction of the first £50 ticket in the Championship this season, won’t be impressed with losing a club name that has been in existence since 1887. The team was called St Jude’s for its first two years.
Nor will Briatore and his billionaire co-owners, Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal, whose combined wealth makes QPR currently the second richest club in the country behind Manchester City, find the Football League in agreement. Commercial motives for name changes are not approved in the lower divisions or the Premier League.
Briatore has also made public that the three owners, who easily have the resources to buy their way out of the Championship, would prefer to fine-tune their football vehicle outside the top flight and bide their time in reaching the top flight, especially in the current state of flux with club ownership. Daily Mail
QPR Official Site- CLUB STATEMENT
Following a report in one of today's national newspapers, titled 'QPC is definitely a move too far, Flavio,' QPR Holdings Ltd Chairman Flavio Briatore has issued the following statement:
"This is pure fabrication and I don't know where the story has come from. I haven't spoken to anybody about this subject.
"I don't know the journalist, but I know the story is totally untrue and we will be contacting our lawyers to pursue this matter further.
"I can categorically deny that there is any truth in this article."
The Club will be making no further comment. QPR Official Site
ONE QPR STATEMENT - GREAT FOOTBALL, SHAME ABOUT THE PRICES.[One QPR is made up of, QPR LSA, QPR Official Supporters club, QPR 1st, Friends of QPR, Indy R’s.]
- We are delighted by the football of the Superhoops so far this season. The victory over Villa on Wednesday was our best performance for years. We welcome the investment into the club, which has brought us exciting football and the hope of a return to the top tier of English football. However, we want all of our fan base to enjoy this success and not to be priced out of Loftus Road.
- Price increases in the Loft were only withdrawn after opposition by Derby County and their fans, and the united action of QPR fans groups, with the aid of the Football Supporters’ Association. The Football League told QPR to honour its charter with away fans and to restore prices in the 'away end ' to their original levels. The club could have kept the prices in the Loft at the increased level, but pressure from fans and the coverage in the media thankfully persuaded the board to put prices in the Loft back to their original level. However, increases for other areas of the ground were not withdrawn, we demand that these too be restored to their original levels.
- We want Loftus Road to be full every game and a return of the famous Rangers Roar. Let us make our ground a fortress. But to do this we need to fill the ground with fans, not price out our loyal fan base.
- The club at our meeting with them on the 23 September, listened to our views and the views of the fans and promised to take those views back to the Board. We urge the board to now withdraw all price increases and match banding.
Printed and published by ONE QPR.
One QPR is made up of, QPR LSA, QPR Official Supporters club, QPR 1st, Friends of QPR, Indy R’s. Posted on LSA and Posted on QPR 1st.
Numerous Other QPR-related stories over the past 72-hours can be read at QPR Report, by just scrolling through QPR Report!
Ex-QPR Chairman Bill Power ("BP") Turns 55
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Mazel Tov to QPR's Former Chairman, Bill Power (BP) Who Turns 55 Today!
William (Bill) Power (aka BP)
Born September 29, 1953, Power a life long QPR supporter, who used to view games from his flat across the road from the Stadium, joined the QPR Board in 2003. In the summer of 2004, Power became Chairman when Blackburn, Jones and Davies left the club. A year later, in August 2005, Power was replaced by Gianni Paladini, who in turn was replaced last year, by Flavio Briatore. BP reportedly came close to returning to Loftus Road in the summer of 2007, before graciously bowing out in the face of the Briatore-Ecclestone takeover. Without revisiting some of the Boardroom events of the past few years, unlike a couple of other former QPR Chairman, BP remains "involved with/and extremely committed to" QPR.
Flashback: - Profile of Bill Power from about three or four years ago:
Irish Abroad Power behind QPR - By Ian McCullough
It has often been said, usually in dreamy tones, by many a football supporter, that they would give money to the club they love and support when they win the lottery.
London Irishman Bill Power is someone who has fulfilled the first part of that dream although the money he has invested in Queens Park Rangers is his very own hard-earned cash and not the type made by buying a lucky dip ticket from the local supermarket.
- While London football is now dominated by the nouveau-riche Chelsea courtesy of the billions of Russian oil magnate Roman Abramovich and the charismatic, free-flowing on their day, but enigmatic Arsenal under Arsene Wenger, there was a time when QPR were the talk of the capital.
- At a time when Irish emigration to London was rife during the late 1960s and through to the ’70s, many settled in west London areas such as Hammersmith, Shepherds Bush, Kensal Rise and Greenford and the team whose ground sits just off the Uxbridge Road became the focal point for a many of the new settlers in the capital and their offspring.
- Power, the son of Wexford parents and an Irish passport holder, was one of the many who were hooked by players such as Rodney Marsh, Les Allen and Mark Lazarus lighting up the pitch that the youngster could see from his bedroom window overlooking Loftus Road from the White City Estate adjacent to the ground.
- Forty years on and with memories of Marsh, Stan Bowles, Don Givens, Gerry Francis, Les Ferdinand et al, just that, Power stepped in to help out the club that had been such a huge part of his life.
- Less than 10 years after finishing as top London club in the Premiership, Rangers were on the brink of going out of business as they slipped into the third tier of English football for the first time in 40 years.
- Years of fecklessness both on and off the pitch had taken the club into administration and the only way it was able to get itself out of the parlous situation was by taking out an ill-advised £10million loan with a little-known Panamanian company ABC Loans.
- The repayments were costing the club £1m-a-year in interest alone and after failure to reach the old First Division after a play-off final defeat by Cardiff, the club spent the whole of last season on the verge of slipping back into administration despite an average gate of 16,000 and record season-ticket sales.
- Various parties had expressed an interest in putting money into the club, but to no fruition. The reluctance of former chairman Chris Wright to sell his shares to interested parties despite having declared he was no longer interested in the club proved a stumbling block and QPR needed investment ASAP.
- Step forward Power, a season-ticket holder of over 20 years and an electrician who made his money by setting up [a] Datasat, a Satellite communication company.
- Among their clients are governmental departments from numerous countries, including Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and the Buckinghamshire-based company are now among the world leaders in their field.
- “It was a complete stroke of luck that I got into the business,” he admitted. “I was working as an electrician and I had just moved into a new house and a new family moved in next door and Phil Emmel, who is now my business partner, asked me if I could have a look at some circuit plans for a job he was about to embark on.
- “He then asked me to help him out on a few jobs abroad and shortly after we set up the business and were very fortunate just getting in at the right time and we have done well to get where are, thanks to some hard work.”
- While business was booming for Bill, the team he followed was not. A family called the Wintons had bought two players for the cash-strapped club so Bill made a phone call to QPR’s former chief executive to offer some further help and ask about the possibility of purchasing another player.
- He explained: “Apart from my family, QPR have been the biggest part of my life and something I have dedicated a great deal of my time and support to.
- “So I picked up the phone and couldn’t believe it when I was put straight through to chief executive David Davies.
- “I made an initial investment of £200,000 which was accepted and was invited to sit in on a couple of board meetings, but I realised shortly after that there were a few things that didn’t make sense.
- “There were some steps being taken that were costing us more money than was being brought in, like planning to install a whole new computer network with new equipment for staff, and bringing in even more personnel to an already oversized staff.”
- In addition to Power an Italian former football agent Gianni Paladini had also become a shareholder along with another London Irishman Kevin McGrath — a senior partner in an asset management company in the City.
- With the club losing money hand over fist, a number of changes had to be made with the first being at the top where senior staff were ousted followed by a number of redundancies.
- “Basically I had put my money into the club which was gratefully received but I was being ignored and decisions were being made without my knowledge,” said Bill.
- With the new board in place, Power was asked to become chairman of the club.
- “It was a great honour to be asked to be chairman and something myself and my family are very proud of but not something I ever envisaged or was aspiring for when I made that phone call last year.”
- So with the club’s long-term future looking far rosier than 12 months ago after a tax bill was paid off in the summer and investment being made in players and money available to manager Ian Holloway to spend, optimism is high in W12 after a respectable return to the Coca-Cola Championship.
- “I am very confident that we will be back in the Premiership within three years. We have a very long way to go at the moment but we are making the right progress,” he said.
- “The loan is still a major millstone around our necks and we looking to get a plan agreed to re-structure the payments as at the minute and hopefully that will be resolved.
- “We are also very close to securing a site for a new training ground. This will not come out of club funds and will be a gift to the club and a sign of our intentions.
- “Myself, Kevin and Gianni are not in the Abramovich mould, none of us have money to chuck away, but we all believe in what we are doing and, hopefully, that will see us back where we feel we belong.” Irish Abroard
BBC - July 9, 2003 - Cash boost for QPR
Queens Park Rangers fan Bill Power has joined the Loftus Road board after pumping £200,000 into the club.
Power becomes the third supporter to be offered a directorship after injecting cash into QPR, following Harold Winton and Kevin McGrath.
"It's a dream come true to join the board and I'm really pleased," Power told BBC Sport.
"I'm from White City and have supported Rangers all my life. To be able to help QPR in this way means a lot to me.
"I haven't been part of any of the bids to take over the club and I don't have any agenda other than wanting to help the club as best I can." BBC
BBC - June 24, 2004
QPR chief stands down - Nick Blackburn has resigned as Queens Park Rangers chairman.
His future has been in doubt since the recent resignation of chief executive David Davies.
Blackburn was former Rangers owner Chris Wright's deputy before taking over as chairman when Wright quit the club in 2001.
Davies, Blackburn and company chairman Ross Jones are leaving as part of a shake-up at Loftus Road following disagreements at board level.
.....QPR director Bill Power will replace Blackburn, with fellow director Kevin McGrath appointed acting plc chairman.
Justin Pieris of the QPR supporters' trust, QPR 1st, welcomed news of Blackburn's departure.... BBC
Mazel Tov to QPR's Former Chairman, Bill Power (BP) Who Turns 55 Today!
William (Bill) Power (aka BP)
Born September 29, 1953, Power a life long QPR supporter, who used to view games from his flat across the road from the Stadium, joined the QPR Board in 2003. In the summer of 2004, Power became Chairman when Blackburn, Jones and Davies left the club. A year later, in August 2005, Power was replaced by Gianni Paladini, who in turn was replaced last year, by Flavio Briatore. BP reportedly came close to returning to Loftus Road in the summer of 2007, before graciously bowing out in the face of the Briatore-Ecclestone takeover. Without revisiting some of the Boardroom events of the past few years, unlike a couple of other former QPR Chairman, BP remains "involved with/and extremely committed to" QPR.
Flashback: - Profile of Bill Power from about three or four years ago:
Irish Abroad Power behind QPR - By Ian McCullough
It has often been said, usually in dreamy tones, by many a football supporter, that they would give money to the club they love and support when they win the lottery.
London Irishman Bill Power is someone who has fulfilled the first part of that dream although the money he has invested in Queens Park Rangers is his very own hard-earned cash and not the type made by buying a lucky dip ticket from the local supermarket.
- While London football is now dominated by the nouveau-riche Chelsea courtesy of the billions of Russian oil magnate Roman Abramovich and the charismatic, free-flowing on their day, but enigmatic Arsenal under Arsene Wenger, there was a time when QPR were the talk of the capital.
- At a time when Irish emigration to London was rife during the late 1960s and through to the ’70s, many settled in west London areas such as Hammersmith, Shepherds Bush, Kensal Rise and Greenford and the team whose ground sits just off the Uxbridge Road became the focal point for a many of the new settlers in the capital and their offspring.
- Power, the son of Wexford parents and an Irish passport holder, was one of the many who were hooked by players such as Rodney Marsh, Les Allen and Mark Lazarus lighting up the pitch that the youngster could see from his bedroom window overlooking Loftus Road from the White City Estate adjacent to the ground.
- Forty years on and with memories of Marsh, Stan Bowles, Don Givens, Gerry Francis, Les Ferdinand et al, just that, Power stepped in to help out the club that had been such a huge part of his life.
- Less than 10 years after finishing as top London club in the Premiership, Rangers were on the brink of going out of business as they slipped into the third tier of English football for the first time in 40 years.
- Years of fecklessness both on and off the pitch had taken the club into administration and the only way it was able to get itself out of the parlous situation was by taking out an ill-advised £10million loan with a little-known Panamanian company ABC Loans.
- The repayments were costing the club £1m-a-year in interest alone and after failure to reach the old First Division after a play-off final defeat by Cardiff, the club spent the whole of last season on the verge of slipping back into administration despite an average gate of 16,000 and record season-ticket sales.
- Various parties had expressed an interest in putting money into the club, but to no fruition. The reluctance of former chairman Chris Wright to sell his shares to interested parties despite having declared he was no longer interested in the club proved a stumbling block and QPR needed investment ASAP.
- Step forward Power, a season-ticket holder of over 20 years and an electrician who made his money by setting up [a] Datasat, a Satellite communication company.
- Among their clients are governmental departments from numerous countries, including Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and the Buckinghamshire-based company are now among the world leaders in their field.
- “It was a complete stroke of luck that I got into the business,” he admitted. “I was working as an electrician and I had just moved into a new house and a new family moved in next door and Phil Emmel, who is now my business partner, asked me if I could have a look at some circuit plans for a job he was about to embark on.
- “He then asked me to help him out on a few jobs abroad and shortly after we set up the business and were very fortunate just getting in at the right time and we have done well to get where are, thanks to some hard work.”
- While business was booming for Bill, the team he followed was not. A family called the Wintons had bought two players for the cash-strapped club so Bill made a phone call to QPR’s former chief executive to offer some further help and ask about the possibility of purchasing another player.
- He explained: “Apart from my family, QPR have been the biggest part of my life and something I have dedicated a great deal of my time and support to.
- “So I picked up the phone and couldn’t believe it when I was put straight through to chief executive David Davies.
- “I made an initial investment of £200,000 which was accepted and was invited to sit in on a couple of board meetings, but I realised shortly after that there were a few things that didn’t make sense.
- “There were some steps being taken that were costing us more money than was being brought in, like planning to install a whole new computer network with new equipment for staff, and bringing in even more personnel to an already oversized staff.”
- In addition to Power an Italian former football agent Gianni Paladini had also become a shareholder along with another London Irishman Kevin McGrath — a senior partner in an asset management company in the City.
- With the club losing money hand over fist, a number of changes had to be made with the first being at the top where senior staff were ousted followed by a number of redundancies.
- “Basically I had put my money into the club which was gratefully received but I was being ignored and decisions were being made without my knowledge,” said Bill.
- With the new board in place, Power was asked to become chairman of the club.
- “It was a great honour to be asked to be chairman and something myself and my family are very proud of but not something I ever envisaged or was aspiring for when I made that phone call last year.”
- So with the club’s long-term future looking far rosier than 12 months ago after a tax bill was paid off in the summer and investment being made in players and money available to manager Ian Holloway to spend, optimism is high in W12 after a respectable return to the Coca-Cola Championship.
- “I am very confident that we will be back in the Premiership within three years. We have a very long way to go at the moment but we are making the right progress,” he said.
- “The loan is still a major millstone around our necks and we looking to get a plan agreed to re-structure the payments as at the minute and hopefully that will be resolved.
- “We are also very close to securing a site for a new training ground. This will not come out of club funds and will be a gift to the club and a sign of our intentions.
- “Myself, Kevin and Gianni are not in the Abramovich mould, none of us have money to chuck away, but we all believe in what we are doing and, hopefully, that will see us back where we feel we belong.” Irish Abroard
BBC - July 9, 2003 - Cash boost for QPR
Queens Park Rangers fan Bill Power has joined the Loftus Road board after pumping £200,000 into the club.
Power becomes the third supporter to be offered a directorship after injecting cash into QPR, following Harold Winton and Kevin McGrath.
"It's a dream come true to join the board and I'm really pleased," Power told BBC Sport.
"I'm from White City and have supported Rangers all my life. To be able to help QPR in this way means a lot to me.
"I haven't been part of any of the bids to take over the club and I don't have any agenda other than wanting to help the club as best I can." BBC
BBC - June 24, 2004
QPR chief stands down - Nick Blackburn has resigned as Queens Park Rangers chairman.
His future has been in doubt since the recent resignation of chief executive David Davies.
Blackburn was former Rangers owner Chris Wright's deputy before taking over as chairman when Wright quit the club in 2001.
Davies, Blackburn and company chairman Ross Jones are leaving as part of a shake-up at Loftus Road following disagreements at board level.
.....QPR director Bill Power will replace Blackburn, with fellow director Kevin McGrath appointed acting plc chairman.
Justin Pieris of the QPR supporters' trust, QPR 1st, welcomed news of Blackburn's departure.... BBC
Derby Loss: QPR's Prices Feature in Various (Depressing) Match Reports
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The Sun - QPR 0 Derby C 2From PAUL JIGGINS at Loftus Road
AN off-peak return rail ticket from Derby to London: £59.
A seat in the visitors’ enclosure at Loftus Road (if QPR had their way): £40.
Seeing your team win their first away game for 18 months: Absolutely blooming priceless!
Derby boss Paul Jewell was feeling just the ticket after guiding his club to their first victory on the road in the League since they won 2-1 at Barnsley on March 31, 2007.
It was the Rams’ second victory over Rangers in a week after they got the FA to block the billionaire Londoners from raising ticket prices for travelling fans from £30 to £40.
It didn’t stop the price-hike Hoops from charging some of their own fans £50 to watch this sub-standard Championship fayre.
And even though his own side provided some value for money, Jewell warned his mega-rich rivals of the perils of bleeding supporters dry.
He said: “I’d have paid whatever price they wanted to see a win like that! Just to get a win, certainly away from home with a clean sheet, makes it worthwhile.
“But 50 quid is a lot of money. I think football in general is too expensive for the man in the street — it’s a lot of money.
“Hopefully, people will be sensible. We want to see full grounds. Our ground is full or almost full most weeks.
“I don’t know what the pricing is at our ground, but certainly in this day and age when people are struggling for cash, it would be nice if people could make football a bit more affordable for the normal guy in the street.”
Rangers fans are also up in arms over their club’s ticket prices. Before the game, protesters handed out leaflets calling for QPR’s wealthy owners Flavio Briatore, Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal to “withdraw all price increases and match banding”. Jewell added: “We have American owners so I’m not going to slate foreign owners, but what I would say is we have to be careful. Whoever owns the club has to be in contact with the people who come through the turnstiles. Supporters are the lifeblood of a club and sometimes they get a raw deal.
“Likewise, managers sometimes get a raw deal off supporters, but Derby fans have been brilliant with me and, hopefully, a few more wins like this will make the money that they pay worthwhile.
But you can’t put passion into football clubs if it’s not there. You come to QPR and you know there’s going to be a good atmosphere.
“But we can’t just keep on bleeding fans dry — we’ve got to give them something back otherwise we’ll drive them into the pubs and they’ll watch on TV.”
There was more atmosphere on the moon after late strikes from Martin Albrechtsen and sub Emanuel Villa gave Derby a shock, but deserved win.
Rangers crashed back down to earth after knocking Aston Villa out of the Carling Cup in midweek.
Winger Lee Cook said: “Everyone in the dressing room is disappointed with the whole performance.
“It seemed everyone was too close, getting in each other’s way and the ball was bouncing about. We had an off day, that’s how it goes sometimes.
“We’ve set the standard so high. We were undefeated here and all the fans are expecting us to go on a run.We’ve got to keep on the leaders’ tails.” The Sun
The Mirror/Ann Gripper - B£OOD MONEY
Jewell: £50 for a QPR ticket rips off the fans
Paul Jewell insisted football clubs cannot "keep on bleeding fans dry" after seeing Derby County emerge on top against QPR both on and off the pitch.
Stretching their unbeaten run to four games with a first league away winsinceMarch2007, last year's top flight whipping boys earned a deserved victory at Loftus Road with late goals from Martin Albrechtsen and substitute Emanuel Villa.
And it was one in the eye for the QPR money-men too, whose plan to up ticket prices for travelling fans from £30 to £40 fell foul of a Football League ruling following a Derby protest.
The price hike has remained in place for Rangers fans, though, with the top ticket for this platinum category game set at £50 - a Championship record.
And Hoops supporters were none too happy about it, with one QPR supporters' group leafleting ahead of the match and chants of "50 quid, you're having a laugh" inside the ground as the team turned in a disjointed performance.
Jewell has more reason than most to be grateful to his club's supporters, who gave him far longer to find his first win than is usually afforded football managers, and he warned Rangers they must look after their fans.
He said: "I was fully behind Derby's protest at the pricing.
"Fifty quid is a lot of money. Football in general, I think it's too expensive for the man in the street.
"Hopefully people will be sensible.
We want to see full grounds. Certainly in this day and age when people are struggling for cash it would be nice if people could make football a bit more affordable for the normal guy in the street.
"We have American owners so I'm not going to slate foreign owners, but what I would say is we have to be careful.
"Whoever owns the club has to be in contact with the people who come through the turnstiles - supporters are the lifeblood of a football club.
"Derby fans have been brilliant with me, and hopefully a few more wins like this will make the money that they pay worthwhile. But we can't just keep on bleeding fans dry - we've got to give them something back otherwise we'll drive them into the pubs and they'll watch on TV."
Rangers never looked like a side who could beat Aston Villa, as they had done in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.
Dexter Blackstock did have two decent chances, one of them rebounding off both post and keeper before going to safety, and an Emmanuel Ledesma shot was deflected on to the left upright.
But the visitors are rediscovering their confidence with every game and steadily increased their control before taking over in the final 20 minutes.
Miles Addison's 30-yard thunderbolt grazed the crossbar and Rob Hulse's outstretched leg narrowly failed to connect with a Nacer Barazite cross before an 80th-minute corner from the Arsenal loanee was stabbed home by Albrechtsen.
And with one minute left, sub Steven Davies' corner was headed in by Villa to launch another chorus from Rams fans of "Greedy b*******", applauded bymany of the home supporters.
Lee Cook insisted the cup win anddiscovering before kick-off they had Man United in the next round was not to blame.
Headded: "We've set the standard so high and all the fans are expecting us to go on a run, but I'm sure they'll be here on Tuesday cheering us from the start."
With the top price at £35 for Blackpool's visit, maybe a few more will be able to afford to.
Qpr: Cerny 5, Connolly 6, Hall 7, D Stewart 6, Delaney 6, Mahon 6 (Leigertwood 70, 5), Parejo 7, Ledesma 5 (Agyemang 78), Rowlands 6, Buzsaky 5 (Cook 56, 7), Blackstock 6
Derby: Carroll 7, Connolly 6, Leacock 7, Albrechtsen 7, J Stewart 6, Barazite 7 (Davies 84), Addison 6, Green 7, Pearson 6, Hulse 7, Ellington 6 (Villa 76) Mirror
The Times/Alyson Rudd - September 29, 2008 Paul Jewell happy with price of away win -
As that much-parodied advert might state: watching Queens Park Rangers on Saturday – £50; seeing your team win their first away match for 18 months – priceless.
Or rather, it was, for the travelling fans who enjoyed taunting the home supporters about the cost of tickets. Outside Loftus Road a leaflet was handed out by fans stating: “We need to fill the ground with fans, not price out our loyal fan base. We urge the board to now withdraw all price increases and match banding.”
An attempt by QPR to raise the cost of tickets for away supporters to £40 was blocked by the Football League, but, with Derby County designated Category A opposition, tickets for home fans increased to £50.
“When people are struggling for cash, it would be nice if people could make football more affordable for the guy in the street,” Paul Jewell, the Derby manager, said, but he accepted the classification compliment. Derby were a class above a side who had boasted an unbeaten home run and had earlier in the week knocked Aston Villa out of the Carling Cup.
That victory put QPR in the fourth-round draw, made just before kick-off, and may have had an effect on their performance. They face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
“The lads were buzzing and then the gaffer [Iain Dowie] said, ‘Forget about that, it’s Derby at home.’ So we forgot about it and concentrated on today,” Lee Cook, the QPR midfield player, said. “I don’t think that affected us. It was one of those days where passes weren’t going where they should. Probably six or seven of the team weren’t at it.”
QPR conceded both goals from corner kicks and Derby looked the more threatening throughout.
“How much would I have paid to watch a win like that?” Jewell said. “Well, whatever it was to get in. We can’t keep bleeding fans dry. We’ve got to give them something back, otherwise we’ll drive them into pubs and they’ll watch on TV. We want the grounds full and the atmosphere is what we all thrive on. It’s my first away win for 18 months and for ten minutes we’ve talked about tickets.” The Times
The Guardian - Mark Tallentire - Rangers pay their own price as Jewell plots brighter future for DerbyGuardian report
Paul Jewell reckons he has used 45 players trying to settle on a combination to take the club forward in his 10 months at Derby County. On Saturday he came up with the solution and achieved his first away win as manager of the club, Derby's second significant victory over the nouveau riche London club in less than a week.
The first came with the help of the Football Supporters' Association and saw the QPR board back down on a decision to charge Derby fans £40 and £30 rather than £30 and £25 respectively for the privilege of watching Saturday's game. Loftus Road relented in the face of adverse publicity and concerted pressure from the group "One QPR", which wants the club's traditional fan base still to be able to afford to attend and has called for a freeze on ticket prices and an end to the club's selective-pricing system for marquee games. The Derby fan's increases were not withdrawn for other areas of the ground, however, and some Rangers fans are being charged as much as £50 a ticket.
"I was fully behind Derby's protest at the pricing," Jewell said later. "Fifty quid is a lot of money and in these days when people are struggling for cash, it would be nice if people could make it a bit more affordable. I think football in general is too expensive for the man in the street. We want to see full grounds and ours is full or almost full most weeks - whoever owns a club has to be in contact with the people who come through the turnstiles. Still, QPR saying we are category A is a reminder of what we are, a big club."
A couple of thousand Derby fans in the two-thirds full stadium made their contempt for the Rangers board known throughout and after a match which their team never really looked like losing, and were delighted to witness a first league win on their travels since Billy Davies's side beat Barnsley 26 games ago and two months before Derby's Championship play-off final win.
Only two players survived from that Wembley day in May 2007, Dean Leacock and the match-winner Stephen Pearson, with Jewell fielding an unchanged back four for the sixth successive game, although the defence were barely needed in a first half which saw both teams struggle to retain possession for more than three touches. "I thought the back four were outstanding and Roy Carroll's barely had a shot to save," Jewell added. "We're still searching for the right combinations and are well behind where I want them to be, but we're making progress."
Rangers misfired throughout, although Emanuel Ledesma did have a low shot deflected on to a post by the unwitting Jordan Stewart early in the second half and Dexter Blackstock hit the same upright soon after. For Derby, Miles Addison clipped the bar from 25 yards and soon after Martin Albrechtsen had time to chest down a loose ball after a corner and volley it into the net. Another corner from the right then saw the substitutes Steven Davies and Emanuel Villa combine, the Mexican twisting to score with a header and take the sting out of injury time.
QPR slipped a place to fifth and their substitute Lee Cook admitted there had been plenty of pre-match excitement about their League Cup draw at Manchester United. "The lads were buzzing about that one and it was talked about in the changing room. Then the gaffer said forget about that now, it's Derby at home, so we concentrated on today. But that's a game we are all looking forward to."
Blackpool are their visitors tomorrow, two points better off than Derby and very much category B. QPR's manager Iain Dowie, who won at Old Trafford with Coventry in last season's League Cup, would do well to try to put that United game even further to the back of his players' minds. Guardian
Telegraph/David Miller - Nacer Barazite shines amid the mundane
It should be no surprise. Any player Arsene Wenger has deemed worthy of wearing an Arsenal shirt is likely to shine in the second-grade Championship.
Nacer Barazite, the 18-year-old Dutchman on loan from Arsenal to Derby, was a pearl on the right of midfield amid the surrounding seaweed of this dysfunctional encounter which the visitors, shaking off early-season malaise, thoroughly deserved to win. They were totally dominant over the last half-hour.
With bursting bubbles in vogue, the latest to go pop is Iain Dowie’s. QPR’s initial flourish is now floundering with successive defeats, and this performance carried no omens for a prosperous autumn for Dowie’s side.
Leaflets were being distributed outside Loftus Road beforehand protesting at increased ticket prices, the club having been obliged by the Football League to abolish increases for away fans. On this evidence, the QPR chairman, Flavio Briatore, may find himself needing to lower prices if Rangers are to keep the ground near full. An attendance of just over 14,000, only the eighth best of the day in the division, is hardly supportive of promotion.
So ragged was the early play, it was easy to count the excesses of squandered possession. This produced ungainly ping-pong football.
Partially, this was due to the level of physical challenge, yet in truth it was only this element of rugged fitness and commitment which gave either side any dignity at this stage.
The contemporary syndrome is that most teams, lacking technical individuals, are only of interest to their own supporters, offering little attraction to opposing crowds or neutrals.
This mundane situation makes the appearance of someone with the skills of Barazite so welcome. Part of the secret of natural skill is balance. Barazite looks like a player. His fluent running and dangerous crossing to the lively Rob Hulse, constantly threatened QPR’s occasionally leaden defence.
Their rear guard of Damion Stewart and Fitz Hall too often resembled a combine harvester attempting to negotiate a car park and were obliged to stoop to head waist-high balls because they could not swiftly organise either of their feet to meet the requirement of the moment.
Besides Barazite, Paul Green, with some intelligent passing, added to the impression that manager Paul Jewell is at last getting to grips with Derby’s year-long decline.
QPR did have their chances, Dexter Blackstock being blocked midway through the first half and Emmanuel Ledesma having a shot turned against a post early in the second. It was appropriate when Barazite’s corner in the 80th minute was driven home by Martin Albrechtsen, substitute Emanuel Villa adding to QPR’s discomfort a minute from time.
Talking Point
QPR’s season, oscillating from week to week, may come to depend on goalkeeper Radek Cerny compensating for defensive uncertainty in front of him. For so long No 2 to Petr Cech in the Czech national team, his arrival at Loftus Road could prove to be bargain of the season. His positional sense and saves were often crucial as Derby’s attack gained ascendancy.
QPR manager Iain Dowie says: “I like the smell in the dressing room at this club.” Cerny could be a valuable deodorant when the aroma at times turn sour – a figure of authority and reassurance. Telegraph
Dave McIntyre - BBC 606 - The contrast was clear"
2-0 to Derby - their first away win in the league since March 2007. A dismal day for Rangers.
Iain Dowie talked afterwards about the difference between today's performance and the one at Aston Villa.
He said: “The contrast was clear – we won lots of second balls and passed the ball well on Wednesday night, but this time we didn’t.
“I’ll have a look at the stats and I bet, in terms of unforced errors, there will be a huge amount – and that’s why we couldn’t get up a head of steam.
“We had two defensive lapses and conceded goals from set-pieces, which is galling. But we’ve got an opportunity to bounce back against Blackpool on Tuesday night and we must do that.
“When we did pass the ball well we created the best chance of the game and had that gone in, the game could have been different.
“This result hasn’t changed the way I feel. I still believe we’ve got a good bunch of lads here and they can bounce back.
“Sometimes you just have to take things on the chin. Derby beat us today, so good luck to them.”
I'm sure many of you will have a view on this result, so over to you. BBC606
The Sun - QPR 0 Derby C 2From PAUL JIGGINS at Loftus Road
AN off-peak return rail ticket from Derby to London: £59.
A seat in the visitors’ enclosure at Loftus Road (if QPR had their way): £40.
Seeing your team win their first away game for 18 months: Absolutely blooming priceless!
Derby boss Paul Jewell was feeling just the ticket after guiding his club to their first victory on the road in the League since they won 2-1 at Barnsley on March 31, 2007.
It was the Rams’ second victory over Rangers in a week after they got the FA to block the billionaire Londoners from raising ticket prices for travelling fans from £30 to £40.
It didn’t stop the price-hike Hoops from charging some of their own fans £50 to watch this sub-standard Championship fayre.
And even though his own side provided some value for money, Jewell warned his mega-rich rivals of the perils of bleeding supporters dry.
He said: “I’d have paid whatever price they wanted to see a win like that! Just to get a win, certainly away from home with a clean sheet, makes it worthwhile.
“But 50 quid is a lot of money. I think football in general is too expensive for the man in the street — it’s a lot of money.
“Hopefully, people will be sensible. We want to see full grounds. Our ground is full or almost full most weeks.
“I don’t know what the pricing is at our ground, but certainly in this day and age when people are struggling for cash, it would be nice if people could make football a bit more affordable for the normal guy in the street.”
Rangers fans are also up in arms over their club’s ticket prices. Before the game, protesters handed out leaflets calling for QPR’s wealthy owners Flavio Briatore, Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal to “withdraw all price increases and match banding”. Jewell added: “We have American owners so I’m not going to slate foreign owners, but what I would say is we have to be careful. Whoever owns the club has to be in contact with the people who come through the turnstiles. Supporters are the lifeblood of a club and sometimes they get a raw deal.
“Likewise, managers sometimes get a raw deal off supporters, but Derby fans have been brilliant with me and, hopefully, a few more wins like this will make the money that they pay worthwhile.
But you can’t put passion into football clubs if it’s not there. You come to QPR and you know there’s going to be a good atmosphere.
“But we can’t just keep on bleeding fans dry — we’ve got to give them something back otherwise we’ll drive them into the pubs and they’ll watch on TV.”
There was more atmosphere on the moon after late strikes from Martin Albrechtsen and sub Emanuel Villa gave Derby a shock, but deserved win.
Rangers crashed back down to earth after knocking Aston Villa out of the Carling Cup in midweek.
Winger Lee Cook said: “Everyone in the dressing room is disappointed with the whole performance.
“It seemed everyone was too close, getting in each other’s way and the ball was bouncing about. We had an off day, that’s how it goes sometimes.
“We’ve set the standard so high. We were undefeated here and all the fans are expecting us to go on a run.We’ve got to keep on the leaders’ tails.” The Sun
The Mirror/Ann Gripper - B£OOD MONEY
Jewell: £50 for a QPR ticket rips off the fans
Paul Jewell insisted football clubs cannot "keep on bleeding fans dry" after seeing Derby County emerge on top against QPR both on and off the pitch.
Stretching their unbeaten run to four games with a first league away winsinceMarch2007, last year's top flight whipping boys earned a deserved victory at Loftus Road with late goals from Martin Albrechtsen and substitute Emanuel Villa.
And it was one in the eye for the QPR money-men too, whose plan to up ticket prices for travelling fans from £30 to £40 fell foul of a Football League ruling following a Derby protest.
The price hike has remained in place for Rangers fans, though, with the top ticket for this platinum category game set at £50 - a Championship record.
And Hoops supporters were none too happy about it, with one QPR supporters' group leafleting ahead of the match and chants of "50 quid, you're having a laugh" inside the ground as the team turned in a disjointed performance.
Jewell has more reason than most to be grateful to his club's supporters, who gave him far longer to find his first win than is usually afforded football managers, and he warned Rangers they must look after their fans.
He said: "I was fully behind Derby's protest at the pricing.
"Fifty quid is a lot of money. Football in general, I think it's too expensive for the man in the street.
"Hopefully people will be sensible.
We want to see full grounds. Certainly in this day and age when people are struggling for cash it would be nice if people could make football a bit more affordable for the normal guy in the street.
"We have American owners so I'm not going to slate foreign owners, but what I would say is we have to be careful.
"Whoever owns the club has to be in contact with the people who come through the turnstiles - supporters are the lifeblood of a football club.
"Derby fans have been brilliant with me, and hopefully a few more wins like this will make the money that they pay worthwhile. But we can't just keep on bleeding fans dry - we've got to give them something back otherwise we'll drive them into the pubs and they'll watch on TV."
Rangers never looked like a side who could beat Aston Villa, as they had done in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.
Dexter Blackstock did have two decent chances, one of them rebounding off both post and keeper before going to safety, and an Emmanuel Ledesma shot was deflected on to the left upright.
But the visitors are rediscovering their confidence with every game and steadily increased their control before taking over in the final 20 minutes.
Miles Addison's 30-yard thunderbolt grazed the crossbar and Rob Hulse's outstretched leg narrowly failed to connect with a Nacer Barazite cross before an 80th-minute corner from the Arsenal loanee was stabbed home by Albrechtsen.
And with one minute left, sub Steven Davies' corner was headed in by Villa to launch another chorus from Rams fans of "Greedy b*******", applauded bymany of the home supporters.
Lee Cook insisted the cup win anddiscovering before kick-off they had Man United in the next round was not to blame.
Headded: "We've set the standard so high and all the fans are expecting us to go on a run, but I'm sure they'll be here on Tuesday cheering us from the start."
With the top price at £35 for Blackpool's visit, maybe a few more will be able to afford to.
Qpr: Cerny 5, Connolly 6, Hall 7, D Stewart 6, Delaney 6, Mahon 6 (Leigertwood 70, 5), Parejo 7, Ledesma 5 (Agyemang 78), Rowlands 6, Buzsaky 5 (Cook 56, 7), Blackstock 6
Derby: Carroll 7, Connolly 6, Leacock 7, Albrechtsen 7, J Stewart 6, Barazite 7 (Davies 84), Addison 6, Green 7, Pearson 6, Hulse 7, Ellington 6 (Villa 76) Mirror
The Times/Alyson Rudd - September 29, 2008 Paul Jewell happy with price of away win -
As that much-parodied advert might state: watching Queens Park Rangers on Saturday – £50; seeing your team win their first away match for 18 months – priceless.
Or rather, it was, for the travelling fans who enjoyed taunting the home supporters about the cost of tickets. Outside Loftus Road a leaflet was handed out by fans stating: “We need to fill the ground with fans, not price out our loyal fan base. We urge the board to now withdraw all price increases and match banding.”
An attempt by QPR to raise the cost of tickets for away supporters to £40 was blocked by the Football League, but, with Derby County designated Category A opposition, tickets for home fans increased to £50.
“When people are struggling for cash, it would be nice if people could make football more affordable for the guy in the street,” Paul Jewell, the Derby manager, said, but he accepted the classification compliment. Derby were a class above a side who had boasted an unbeaten home run and had earlier in the week knocked Aston Villa out of the Carling Cup.
That victory put QPR in the fourth-round draw, made just before kick-off, and may have had an effect on their performance. They face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
“The lads were buzzing and then the gaffer [Iain Dowie] said, ‘Forget about that, it’s Derby at home.’ So we forgot about it and concentrated on today,” Lee Cook, the QPR midfield player, said. “I don’t think that affected us. It was one of those days where passes weren’t going where they should. Probably six or seven of the team weren’t at it.”
QPR conceded both goals from corner kicks and Derby looked the more threatening throughout.
“How much would I have paid to watch a win like that?” Jewell said. “Well, whatever it was to get in. We can’t keep bleeding fans dry. We’ve got to give them something back, otherwise we’ll drive them into pubs and they’ll watch on TV. We want the grounds full and the atmosphere is what we all thrive on. It’s my first away win for 18 months and for ten minutes we’ve talked about tickets.” The Times
The Guardian - Mark Tallentire - Rangers pay their own price as Jewell plots brighter future for DerbyGuardian report
Paul Jewell reckons he has used 45 players trying to settle on a combination to take the club forward in his 10 months at Derby County. On Saturday he came up with the solution and achieved his first away win as manager of the club, Derby's second significant victory over the nouveau riche London club in less than a week.
The first came with the help of the Football Supporters' Association and saw the QPR board back down on a decision to charge Derby fans £40 and £30 rather than £30 and £25 respectively for the privilege of watching Saturday's game. Loftus Road relented in the face of adverse publicity and concerted pressure from the group "One QPR", which wants the club's traditional fan base still to be able to afford to attend and has called for a freeze on ticket prices and an end to the club's selective-pricing system for marquee games. The Derby fan's increases were not withdrawn for other areas of the ground, however, and some Rangers fans are being charged as much as £50 a ticket.
"I was fully behind Derby's protest at the pricing," Jewell said later. "Fifty quid is a lot of money and in these days when people are struggling for cash, it would be nice if people could make it a bit more affordable. I think football in general is too expensive for the man in the street. We want to see full grounds and ours is full or almost full most weeks - whoever owns a club has to be in contact with the people who come through the turnstiles. Still, QPR saying we are category A is a reminder of what we are, a big club."
A couple of thousand Derby fans in the two-thirds full stadium made their contempt for the Rangers board known throughout and after a match which their team never really looked like losing, and were delighted to witness a first league win on their travels since Billy Davies's side beat Barnsley 26 games ago and two months before Derby's Championship play-off final win.
Only two players survived from that Wembley day in May 2007, Dean Leacock and the match-winner Stephen Pearson, with Jewell fielding an unchanged back four for the sixth successive game, although the defence were barely needed in a first half which saw both teams struggle to retain possession for more than three touches. "I thought the back four were outstanding and Roy Carroll's barely had a shot to save," Jewell added. "We're still searching for the right combinations and are well behind where I want them to be, but we're making progress."
Rangers misfired throughout, although Emanuel Ledesma did have a low shot deflected on to a post by the unwitting Jordan Stewart early in the second half and Dexter Blackstock hit the same upright soon after. For Derby, Miles Addison clipped the bar from 25 yards and soon after Martin Albrechtsen had time to chest down a loose ball after a corner and volley it into the net. Another corner from the right then saw the substitutes Steven Davies and Emanuel Villa combine, the Mexican twisting to score with a header and take the sting out of injury time.
QPR slipped a place to fifth and their substitute Lee Cook admitted there had been plenty of pre-match excitement about their League Cup draw at Manchester United. "The lads were buzzing about that one and it was talked about in the changing room. Then the gaffer said forget about that now, it's Derby at home, so we concentrated on today. But that's a game we are all looking forward to."
Blackpool are their visitors tomorrow, two points better off than Derby and very much category B. QPR's manager Iain Dowie, who won at Old Trafford with Coventry in last season's League Cup, would do well to try to put that United game even further to the back of his players' minds. Guardian
Telegraph/David Miller - Nacer Barazite shines amid the mundane
It should be no surprise. Any player Arsene Wenger has deemed worthy of wearing an Arsenal shirt is likely to shine in the second-grade Championship.
Nacer Barazite, the 18-year-old Dutchman on loan from Arsenal to Derby, was a pearl on the right of midfield amid the surrounding seaweed of this dysfunctional encounter which the visitors, shaking off early-season malaise, thoroughly deserved to win. They were totally dominant over the last half-hour.
With bursting bubbles in vogue, the latest to go pop is Iain Dowie’s. QPR’s initial flourish is now floundering with successive defeats, and this performance carried no omens for a prosperous autumn for Dowie’s side.
Leaflets were being distributed outside Loftus Road beforehand protesting at increased ticket prices, the club having been obliged by the Football League to abolish increases for away fans. On this evidence, the QPR chairman, Flavio Briatore, may find himself needing to lower prices if Rangers are to keep the ground near full. An attendance of just over 14,000, only the eighth best of the day in the division, is hardly supportive of promotion.
So ragged was the early play, it was easy to count the excesses of squandered possession. This produced ungainly ping-pong football.
Partially, this was due to the level of physical challenge, yet in truth it was only this element of rugged fitness and commitment which gave either side any dignity at this stage.
The contemporary syndrome is that most teams, lacking technical individuals, are only of interest to their own supporters, offering little attraction to opposing crowds or neutrals.
This mundane situation makes the appearance of someone with the skills of Barazite so welcome. Part of the secret of natural skill is balance. Barazite looks like a player. His fluent running and dangerous crossing to the lively Rob Hulse, constantly threatened QPR’s occasionally leaden defence.
Their rear guard of Damion Stewart and Fitz Hall too often resembled a combine harvester attempting to negotiate a car park and were obliged to stoop to head waist-high balls because they could not swiftly organise either of their feet to meet the requirement of the moment.
Besides Barazite, Paul Green, with some intelligent passing, added to the impression that manager Paul Jewell is at last getting to grips with Derby’s year-long decline.
QPR did have their chances, Dexter Blackstock being blocked midway through the first half and Emmanuel Ledesma having a shot turned against a post early in the second. It was appropriate when Barazite’s corner in the 80th minute was driven home by Martin Albrechtsen, substitute Emanuel Villa adding to QPR’s discomfort a minute from time.
Talking Point
QPR’s season, oscillating from week to week, may come to depend on goalkeeper Radek Cerny compensating for defensive uncertainty in front of him. For so long No 2 to Petr Cech in the Czech national team, his arrival at Loftus Road could prove to be bargain of the season. His positional sense and saves were often crucial as Derby’s attack gained ascendancy.
QPR manager Iain Dowie says: “I like the smell in the dressing room at this club.” Cerny could be a valuable deodorant when the aroma at times turn sour – a figure of authority and reassurance. Telegraph
Dave McIntyre - BBC 606 - The contrast was clear"
2-0 to Derby - their first away win in the league since March 2007. A dismal day for Rangers.
Iain Dowie talked afterwards about the difference between today's performance and the one at Aston Villa.
He said: “The contrast was clear – we won lots of second balls and passed the ball well on Wednesday night, but this time we didn’t.
“I’ll have a look at the stats and I bet, in terms of unforced errors, there will be a huge amount – and that’s why we couldn’t get up a head of steam.
“We had two defensive lapses and conceded goals from set-pieces, which is galling. But we’ve got an opportunity to bounce back against Blackpool on Tuesday night and we must do that.
“When we did pass the ball well we created the best chance of the game and had that gone in, the game could have been different.
“This result hasn’t changed the way I feel. I still believe we’ve got a good bunch of lads here and they can bounce back.
“Sometimes you just have to take things on the chin. Derby beat us today, so good luck to them.”
I'm sure many of you will have a view on this result, so over to you. BBC606
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The Return of Akos Buzsaky
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Sky Sports/Juha Pal - Buzsaky pleased to be back
Hungarian ace hoping to lead promotion charge
Queens Park Rangers playmaker Akos Buzsaky is relishing the prospect of helping the club into the Premier League.
The Hungarian midfielder has only recently returned from a long-term injury, but is hoping to play his part over the course of the current campaign.
Rangers have suffered back-to-back defeats in recent weeks but remain well placed to mount a promotion bid this term.
Buzsaky was involved in the 2-0 loss to Derby on Saturday, but is just happy to be back playing again and expects results to improve.
Stamina
"It was a great thing for me to feel the atmosphere of a game," he told Nemzeti Sport.
"My injured knee is perfect now. I have a little problem with my stamina but it's better than a couple of weeks ago, it will take time until I reach my old physical condition.
"Maybe it sounds strange but I feel I have been lucky. I was injured in March and while I have been recovering there has been a summer break so I was only without football for two-and-a-half months and have returned early in the new season."
Challenge
QPR appointed Iain Dowie as their new boss while Buzsaky was out of action, but the 26-year-old is confident he can impress the former Crystal Palace coach.
"It's a great challenge for me," he added.
"I'll prove that I am a decent footballer as I cannot afford to miss any more opportunities to help my development.
"There are 10 midfielders at the club, and they have only signed good players, but I believe our squad should finish in the top four and challenge for promotion."
Conflict
Buzsaky was also keen to play down reports that he had been attacked by Plymouth supporters after going to watch his former club in action against Reading on 16th August.
"That is not true," he said.
"I watched the game sat with the supporters. Some drunken fans picked a fight with me but the worst they did was swear - there was no assaulting.
"I was advised to leave the stadium 10 minutes early in order to avoid conflict and I walked away on my own."
Sky Sports
Sky Sports/Juha Pal - Buzsaky pleased to be back
Hungarian ace hoping to lead promotion charge
Queens Park Rangers playmaker Akos Buzsaky is relishing the prospect of helping the club into the Premier League.
The Hungarian midfielder has only recently returned from a long-term injury, but is hoping to play his part over the course of the current campaign.
Rangers have suffered back-to-back defeats in recent weeks but remain well placed to mount a promotion bid this term.
Buzsaky was involved in the 2-0 loss to Derby on Saturday, but is just happy to be back playing again and expects results to improve.
Stamina
"It was a great thing for me to feel the atmosphere of a game," he told Nemzeti Sport.
"My injured knee is perfect now. I have a little problem with my stamina but it's better than a couple of weeks ago, it will take time until I reach my old physical condition.
"Maybe it sounds strange but I feel I have been lucky. I was injured in March and while I have been recovering there has been a summer break so I was only without football for two-and-a-half months and have returned early in the new season."
Challenge
QPR appointed Iain Dowie as their new boss while Buzsaky was out of action, but the 26-year-old is confident he can impress the former Crystal Palace coach.
"It's a great challenge for me," he added.
"I'll prove that I am a decent footballer as I cannot afford to miss any more opportunities to help my development.
"There are 10 midfielders at the club, and they have only signed good players, but I believe our squad should finish in the top four and challenge for promotion."
Conflict
Buzsaky was also keen to play down reports that he had been attacked by Plymouth supporters after going to watch his former club in action against Reading on 16th August.
"That is not true," he said.
"I watched the game sat with the supporters. Some drunken fans picked a fight with me but the worst they did was swear - there was no assaulting.
"I was advised to leave the stadium 10 minutes early in order to avoid conflict and I walked away on my own."
Sky Sports
"On This Day" Flashback: Ray Harford Resigns and Dowie Chosen Over Vinnie...Paladini Becomes Chairman..Half-Century Since Clive Clark's QPR Debut
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Ten Years Ago Today, Ray Harford Resigned:
The Independent - September 29,1998 - by Alan Nixon - Harford resigns as QPR manager
Ray Harford yesterday resigned as manager of troubled Queen's Park Rangers and brought his unhappy reign to an end within in a year.
Harford left after thinking over his future at the weekend following a humbling 4-1 defeat at Oxford United.
Coach at Blackburn Rovers when they won the title, Harford has had considerable problems at Rangers where he feels that he has been denied transfer funds. The signing of Vinnie Jones was made over his head and lately the fans have turned against the manager and his struggling team. A compensation figure has yet to be agreed, but rather than wait to haggle Harford has decided to leave.
Harford's chance of being given an escape route to Newcastle United disappeared when Kenny Dalglish was sacked a month ago.
Harford, who left West Bromwich Albion in the middle of last season to join the QPR, has achieved only one victory with the Loftus Road side in nine games this season. The club, second from bottom in the First Division, have appointed Iain Dowie, the Northern Ireland international striker, as caretaker manager. A statement from the club said: "Ray felt at this difficult time it was in the club's best interests he should step down." The Independent
Team for Harford's last game in charge: Oxford 4 QPR 1 -
QPR: Harper, Heinola (Scully 53), Baraclough, Yates, Ready, Maddix, Slade, Peacock, Kulcsar (Sheron 70), Gallen, Murray (Rose 63). Scully
Oxford Utd: Whitehead, Robinson, Marsh, Gray, Whelan (Murphy 55), Gilchrist, Powell, Smith (Hill 81), Thomson, Windass (Cook 83), Beauchamp. Goals: Beauchamp 15, Murphy 64, Thomson 72, Windass 75. - Match Report
[Ian Dowie - rather than Vinnie Jones - took over as caretaker manager. Two weeks later, Gerry Francis was appointed QPR manager. Ray Harford went on to coach elsewhere, before sadly, dying, only in his later fifties, in August, 2003. And a decade later, Dowie is back, this time as "permanent" manager (Chief Coach). See also Ray Harford Profile/Wikipedia
On this day three years ago, Gianni Paladini was appointed Chairman of Queens Park Rangers. Seems like a very long time ago....
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - 28 September 2005 Statement GIANNI PALADINI
Gianni Paladini has been appointed Chairman of Queens Park Rangers Football Club and QPR Holdings Ltd.
Interim Chairman Gualtiero Trucco has stepped down and the Board of Directors have unanimously chosen Paladini to take on the role on a full-time basis.
The changes were agreed at a Loftus Road Board Meeting on Wednesday afternoon and Paladini is delighted by the honour of this 'challenging but exciting' role.
"The Monaco investors have recommended that I be appointed Chairman and I am deeply honoured that the Directors have allowed me this opportunity.
"I hope now that after a period of instability we can all look forward to the brightest of futures at Loftus Road.
"We have a wonderful manager, an exciting and improving squad and a real opportunity to push for a place in the play-offs and even the Premiership.
"I believe these are wonderful times to be a QPR supporter and I just want to play whatever part I can in bringing both success and stability to this Club.
"I fully appreciate that supporters will have been a little bewildered by recent events and I wish that so much of what has happened could have happened differently.
"But I believe we now have the right people in place, both on the pitch and behind the scenes, to take this club forward.
"I would like to thank every single fan for their continued, passionate support for QPR and I would also like to pay tribute to all the staff here.
"Life hasn't been particularly easy for them recently either but every single one continues to work as hard as ever for the benefit of this club.
"It has never been clearer to me that, both in the stands and behind the scenes, this is a wonderful place full of very special people."
And a slightly-delayed Anniverary Note: Earlier this month (September 6) marked the half-century mark since QPR Winger, Clive Clark, made his QPR debut: September 6, 1958 against Bournemouth, away. QPR losing 0-2. (Also playing that day, Drinkwater and Ingham). Clark thrived at QPR before being sold to WBA by Alec Stock, reportedly to prevent him from being kicked around by Third Division defenders. At WBA, he spent a decade (including scoring twice against QPR at Wembley). Clark briefly returned to QPR in 1969, in a part-exchange for the brilliant Alan Glover, before moving on to Preston. See also Clark Stats. A board poster recently reported that Clark was not doing at all well; so all best wishes to him.. Some might argue that not enough is done to remember the QPR stalwarts of yesterday, who extend far beyond Stan Bowles and Rodney Marsh and the rest of the 1967 Cup winning team.
- Stefan Moore Turns 25 - Twenty-five years ago, future QPR 'striker' Stefan Moore was born. After arriving at QPR from Aston Villa, with high praise from Ian Holloway, his QPR career never worked out. After QPR, spent time at Port Vale and Walsall. Moore Stats -- Moore/Wikipedia...
Ten Years Ago Today, Ray Harford Resigned:
The Independent - September 29,1998 - by Alan Nixon - Harford resigns as QPR manager
Ray Harford yesterday resigned as manager of troubled Queen's Park Rangers and brought his unhappy reign to an end within in a year.
Harford left after thinking over his future at the weekend following a humbling 4-1 defeat at Oxford United.
Coach at Blackburn Rovers when they won the title, Harford has had considerable problems at Rangers where he feels that he has been denied transfer funds. The signing of Vinnie Jones was made over his head and lately the fans have turned against the manager and his struggling team. A compensation figure has yet to be agreed, but rather than wait to haggle Harford has decided to leave.
Harford's chance of being given an escape route to Newcastle United disappeared when Kenny Dalglish was sacked a month ago.
Harford, who left West Bromwich Albion in the middle of last season to join the QPR, has achieved only one victory with the Loftus Road side in nine games this season. The club, second from bottom in the First Division, have appointed Iain Dowie, the Northern Ireland international striker, as caretaker manager. A statement from the club said: "Ray felt at this difficult time it was in the club's best interests he should step down." The Independent
Team for Harford's last game in charge: Oxford 4 QPR 1 -
QPR: Harper, Heinola (Scully 53), Baraclough, Yates, Ready, Maddix, Slade, Peacock, Kulcsar (Sheron 70), Gallen, Murray (Rose 63). Scully
Oxford Utd: Whitehead, Robinson, Marsh, Gray, Whelan (Murphy 55), Gilchrist, Powell, Smith (Hill 81), Thomson, Windass (Cook 83), Beauchamp. Goals: Beauchamp 15, Murphy 64, Thomson 72, Windass 75. - Match Report
[Ian Dowie - rather than Vinnie Jones - took over as caretaker manager. Two weeks later, Gerry Francis was appointed QPR manager. Ray Harford went on to coach elsewhere, before sadly, dying, only in his later fifties, in August, 2003. And a decade later, Dowie is back, this time as "permanent" manager (Chief Coach). See also Ray Harford Profile/Wikipedia
On this day three years ago, Gianni Paladini was appointed Chairman of Queens Park Rangers. Seems like a very long time ago....
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - 28 September 2005 Statement GIANNI PALADINI
Gianni Paladini has been appointed Chairman of Queens Park Rangers Football Club and QPR Holdings Ltd.
Interim Chairman Gualtiero Trucco has stepped down and the Board of Directors have unanimously chosen Paladini to take on the role on a full-time basis.
The changes were agreed at a Loftus Road Board Meeting on Wednesday afternoon and Paladini is delighted by the honour of this 'challenging but exciting' role.
"The Monaco investors have recommended that I be appointed Chairman and I am deeply honoured that the Directors have allowed me this opportunity.
"I hope now that after a period of instability we can all look forward to the brightest of futures at Loftus Road.
"We have a wonderful manager, an exciting and improving squad and a real opportunity to push for a place in the play-offs and even the Premiership.
"I believe these are wonderful times to be a QPR supporter and I just want to play whatever part I can in bringing both success and stability to this Club.
"I fully appreciate that supporters will have been a little bewildered by recent events and I wish that so much of what has happened could have happened differently.
"But I believe we now have the right people in place, both on the pitch and behind the scenes, to take this club forward.
"I would like to thank every single fan for their continued, passionate support for QPR and I would also like to pay tribute to all the staff here.
"Life hasn't been particularly easy for them recently either but every single one continues to work as hard as ever for the benefit of this club.
"It has never been clearer to me that, both in the stands and behind the scenes, this is a wonderful place full of very special people."
And a slightly-delayed Anniverary Note: Earlier this month (September 6) marked the half-century mark since QPR Winger, Clive Clark, made his QPR debut: September 6, 1958 against Bournemouth, away. QPR losing 0-2. (Also playing that day, Drinkwater and Ingham). Clark thrived at QPR before being sold to WBA by Alec Stock, reportedly to prevent him from being kicked around by Third Division defenders. At WBA, he spent a decade (including scoring twice against QPR at Wembley). Clark briefly returned to QPR in 1969, in a part-exchange for the brilliant Alan Glover, before moving on to Preston. See also Clark Stats. A board poster recently reported that Clark was not doing at all well; so all best wishes to him.. Some might argue that not enough is done to remember the QPR stalwarts of yesterday, who extend far beyond Stan Bowles and Rodney Marsh and the rest of the 1967 Cup winning team.
- Stefan Moore Turns 25 - Twenty-five years ago, future QPR 'striker' Stefan Moore was born. After arriving at QPR from Aston Villa, with high praise from Ian Holloway, his QPR career never worked out. After QPR, spent time at Port Vale and Walsall. Moore Stats -- Moore/Wikipedia...
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